Testing in Grade 5
Grade 5 student tests
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In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 5 tests focus on content knowledge and skills. Required tests for fifth 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 without a previous CogAT score who are not already eligible for AAP Level IV services |
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 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 |
Division Spring expectations are TBD |
Reading, Mathematics | To identify gaps in foundational academic skills and monitor progress | Approx. 1.5 hours per subject |
Sept. 8 to Nov. 12 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, Science | 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 | Writing | 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, Science | 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, Science | 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 total | 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 total | 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.