Testing in Grade 2
Grade 2 student tests
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In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 2 tests focus on developing literacy and numeracy skills. Required tests for second 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 |
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) | State | Intelligence Quotient (IQ) | To identify potential Advanced Academic Program services. | Approx. 2 hours | Oct. 12 to Oct. 22 | Distributed to parents/guardians prior to the winter break |
Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) |
State ONLY for students scoring below benchmark on iReady Reading test |
Reading Accuracy, Fluency, and Comprehension Skills | To determine potential need for literacy intervention or support | Approx. 30 minutes |
Sept. 8 to Oct. 29 April 12 to May 20 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
Developmental Spelling Assessment (DSA) | Division | Spelling | To measure development of spelling skills | Approx. 15 minutes |
Aug. 30 to Oct. 1 May 23 to June 10 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
iReady |
State (Reading) Division (Mathematics) |
Reading, Mathematics | To identify gaps in foundational academic skills and measure progress of students identified for support. | Approx. 45 minutes per subject |
Sept. 8 to Oct. 29 April 12 to May 20 |
Published in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) |
Division ONLY for students scoring without a previous NNAT score |
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) | To identify potential Advanced Academic Program services. | Approx. 30 minutes | Mar. 4 to Mar. 18 | Distributed to parents/guardians within approx. 1 month |
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener | Division | Social-Emotional Learning Skills | To measure development of social-emotional learning, relationships, and well-being | Approx. 20 minutes |
Jan. 25 to Feb. 11 April 12 to May 6 |
Mailed to parents/guardians within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
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. 2 hours | Within 14 days of entry from outside Virginia public schools | Distributed to parents/ guardians within approx. 1 month |
* 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.