Testing in Grade 12
Grade 12 student tests
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 12 tests apply content knowledge and skills to prepare students for college and career. Required tests for twelfth graders are listed in the table below, organized alphabetically by test name.
Assessment dates and delivery format for 2021-22 are subject to change based on shifts in school operations.
| Test Name | Requirement Source | Content Tested | Purpose of Test | Time Needed* | Schedule** | Results Distribution |
| Math Inventory |
Division ONLY for students in an Alg. 1 or Alg. 1 Part 1 course |
Mathematics | To identify a current mathematical developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 30 to Oct. 29 May 9 to June 10 |
Mailed or published in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| NoRedInk Writing Diagnostic | Division | Writing | To monitor progress in writing mechanics and grammar usage skills | Approx. 30 minutes |
Oct. 4 to Nov. 12 Feb. 2 to Feb. 25 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Performance Assessment for Language Students (PALS) |
State ONLY for students enrolled in a Level 4 or higher world language course and needing a test for the Biliteracy diploma seal |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | To measure language progress and proficiency | Approx. 3 hours | April 12 to June 9 | Incorporated in performance communication to parents/guardians as part of final grades |
| Reading Inventory |
Division ONLY for students in a Literacy Lab or Literacy Essentials course |
Reading | To identify a current reading developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 30 to Oct. 29 May 9 to June 10 |
Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener |
State |
Social-Emotional Learning Skills | To measure development of social-emotional learning, relationships, and well-being | Approx. 20 minutes |
Oct. 12 to Oct. 22 April 12 to May 6 |
Mailed to parents/guardians within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
| Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests |
State ONLY for students enrolled in an SOL course or needing a verified credit for graduation |
Writing, Reading, Mathematics, Science, History | To measure knowledge of course content standards for state and federal accountability | Approx. 2 hours per subject |
Schedule based on course and graduation requirements Dec. 6 to Feb. 4 Mar. 7 to Mar. 31 (Writing only) April 25 to May 27 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of each non-writing assessment window |
| State Performance-Based Assessments (PBAs) |
State ONLY for students in a social studies course identified for PBAs |
History | To measure social studies disciplinary skills as part of a collection of evidence used to locally award verified credit toward graduation | Approx. 1-3 hours | Oct. 18 to May 27 | Incorporated in performance communication to parents/guardians as part of final grades |
| WIDA ACCESS for ELLS |
State ONLY for English learners |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | To measure annual English language proficiency and progress in compliance with federal law | Approx. 5 hours | Jan. 18 to Mar. 18 | Distributed to parents/ guardians by the start of the next school year |
| WIDA Screener |
State ONLY for potential English learners |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | To determine eligibility for English learner services, in compliance with federal law | Approx. 90 minutes | Within 14 days of entry from outside Virginia public schools | Distributed to parents/ guardians within approx. 1 month |
| WorkKeys |
State ONLY for students needing verified credit to graduate by June |
Reading, Writing | To measure the ability to apply content knowledge to a real-world situation | Approx. 30-45 minutes per subject |
Schedule based on course and graduation requirements Feb. 14 to Feb. 18 Mar. 21 to Mar. 25 April 25 to April 29 May 23 to June 9 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
* The amount of time needed for testing varies by student. All times are estimates.
** Schedule dates represent the window of time during which tests may be given. Each school sets and communicates the specific date for each test.