Testing in Grade 3
Grade 3 student tests
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In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 3 is a transition year for student testing. It is the first year with required Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. Required tests for third 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) |
Division ONLY students not enrolled in a AAP Level IV Center |
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) | To identify potential Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services. | Approx. 2 hours | Oct. 12 to Oct. 29 | Distributed to parents/guardians prior to the winter break |
| Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) |
State ONLY for students new to Virginia public schools who score 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 | 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) Spring expectations are TBD |
Reading, Mathematics | To identify gaps in foundational academic skills and monitor progress | Approx. 1 hour per subject |
Sept. 8 to Oct. 29 April 12 to May 20 |
Distributed to parents/guardians within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| Horizon Division Assessment |
Division Expectations are TBD |
Reading, Mathematics | To measure knowledge of grade level content standards prior to SOL tests | Approx. 1 hour per subject | Feb. 7 to Mar. 18 | Available through student Horizon account and incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Local Alternative Assessments | State | Science, Social Studies | To measure knowledge of grade level content standards in place of the SOL test | Approx. 10 to 45 minutes per task | Oct. 18 to May 27 | Incorporated in ongoing classroom performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener | Division | Social-Emotional Learning Skills | To measure development of social-emotional learning, relationships, and well-being | Approx. 20 minutes |
Oct. 12 to Oct. 22 Jan. 25 to Feb. 11 April 25 to May 13 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests | State | Reading, Mathematics | To measure knowledge of grade level content standards for state and federal accountability | Approx. 2 hours per subject |
April 25 to May 27 |
Distributed to parents/ guardians by the start of the next school year |
| Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) |
State ONLY for students taught on an adapted curriculum |
Reading, Mathematics | To measure knowledge of aligned standards for state and federal accountability | TBD | Jan. 5 to June 4 | Distributed to parents/ guardians by the start of the next school year |
| Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) | State | Reading, Mathematics | To identify potential learning gaps resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic | Approx. 1 hour per subject | Sept. 20 to Oct. 15 | Distributed to parents/guardians within approx. 1 month 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