Testing in Grade 6
Grade 6 student tests
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 6 tests extend and build on content knowledge and skills. Required tests for sixth graders are listed in the table below, organized alphabetically by test name.
| 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. 2 to Oct. 27 | Distributed to parents/guardians prior to the winter break |
| Developmental Spelling Analysis (DSA) |
Division ONLY for students enrolled at elementary schools |
Spelling | To measure development of spelling skills | Approx. 15 minutes |
Aug. 22 to Oct. 20 April 8 to June 7 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) |
Division ONLY for students in the Advanced Mathematics 6 course Spring make-up ONLY |
Pre-Algebra | To measure readiness in abstract thinking | Approx. 1 hour |
Feb. 26 to Mar. 21 May 28 to June 11 |
Distributed to parents/guardians within 2 months |
| iReady |
Division ONLY for students enrolled at elementary schools Winter ONLY for students below benchmark or not previously tested |
Reading, Mathematics | To identify gaps in foundational academic skills and measure progress of skill development | Approx. 1.5 hours per subject |
Aug. 22 to Oct. 20 Jan. 3 to Feb. 2 April 8 to June 7 |
Published in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
| Local Alternative Assessments (LAA) | State | Social Studies | To measure knowledge of grade level content standards in place of the SOL test | Varies Approx. 10 to 45 minutes per task | Oct. 2 to May 24 | Incorporated in ongoing classroom performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Math Inventory |
Division ONLY for students enrolled at middle schools Winter and Spring ONLY for students below benchmark or not previously tested |
Mathematics | To identify a current mathematical developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 28 to Sept. 29 Dec. 4 to Feb. 2 May 6 to June 7 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
| Reading Inventory |
Division ONLY for students enrolled at middle schools Winter and Spring ONLY for students below benchmark or not previously tested |
Reading | To identify a current reading developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 29 to Sept. 30 Dec. 5 to Feb. 3 May 8 to June 9
|
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
| Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener | Division | Social-Emotional Learning Skills | To measure development of social-emotional learning, relationships, and well-being | Approx. 15 minutes |
Oct. 10 to Oct. 27 Feb. 26 to Mar. 15 |
Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| 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 29 to May 31 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| 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 |
Varies Approx. 5 to 40 minutes per task |
Feb. 26 to May 31 | Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab by the start of the next school year |
| Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) |
State ONLY students scheduled to take spring SOL tests |
Reading, Mathematics | To measure progress in grade level content standards throughout the year | Approx. 1 hour per subject | Sept. 11 to Oct. 6
Dec. 4-Jan. 18 |
Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 3 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 total | Jan. 16 to Mar. 15 | 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.