Testing in Grade 8

Grade 8 student tests

In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 8 tests apply content knowledge and skills to prepare students for high school. Required tests for eighth graders are listed in the table below, organized alphabetically by test name. 

Grade 8 Required Tests
Test NameRequirement SourceContent TestedPurpose of TestTime Needed*Schedule**Results Distribution
Division Benchmarking Assessment - Mathematics

Division

ONLY for students in a high school credit-bearing course

Mathematics To measure development of content standard knowledge and skillsApprox. 45 minutes

Nov. 8 to Dec. 15

Feb. 12 to Mar. 22

Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians
Division Benchmarking Assessment -
G8 Science
DivisionScienceTo measure development of content standard knowledge and skills Approx. 30 minutes 

Oct. 18 to Oct. 31

Jan. 3 to Jan. 25

Feb. 20 to Mar. 1

April 11 to April 26

Incorporated in ongoing classroom performance communication to parents/guardians
Local Alternative Assessments (LAA)StateSocial StudiesTo measure knowledge of grade level content standards in place of the SOL testApprox. 10 to 45 minutes per taskOct. 2 to May 24Incorporated in ongoing classroom performance communication to parents/guardians
Math Inventory

Division

Winter and Spring ONLY for students below benchmark or not previously tested

Mathematics To identify a current mathematical developmental skill level and monitor growthApprox. 45 minutes 

Aug. 28 to Sept. 29

Dec. 4 to Feb. 2

May 6 to June 7

Published in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window
NoRedInk Writing DiagnosticDivisionWritingTo monitor progress in writing mechanics and grammar usage skillsApprox. 30 minutes 

Oct. 2 to Nov. 10

April 8 to June 7

Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians
Reading Inventory

Division

Winter and Spring ONLY for students below benchmark or not previously tested

ReadingTo identify a current reading developmental skill level and monitor growthApprox. 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. 1 month of the close of the assessment window
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) ScreenerDivisionSocial-Emotional Learning SkillsTo measure development of social-emotional learning, relationships, and well-beingApprox. 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) TestsStateReading with Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW), Mathematics, ScienceTo measure knowledge of course content standards for state and federal accountabilityApprox. 2 hours per subject

IRW only: April 11 to May 10

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, Science, Social StudiesTo measure knowledge of aligned standards for state and federal accountability

Varies 

Approx. 15 to 45 minutes per task

Feb. 26 to May 31

Social Studies distributed to parents/ guardians by the end of the school year

Reading/ Mathematics/ Science 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

Math ONLY for students not in a high school credit-bearing course

Reading, MathematicsTo measure progress in grade level content standards throughout the yearApprox. 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, ListeningTo measure annual English language proficiency and progress in compliance with federal lawApprox. 5 hours total Jan. 16 to Mar. 15Distributed to parents/ guardians by the start of the next school year
WIDA Screener

State

ONLY for potential English learners

Reading, Writing, Speaking, ListeningTo determine eligibility for English learner services, in compliance with federal lawApprox. 2 hours total Within 14 days of entry from outside Virginia public schoolsDistributed to parents/ guardians within approx. 1 month
World Language Performance Assessment for Language Students (PALS)

Division

ONLY for students Level 1-5, AP, IB, or DE world language courses

Reading, Writing, Speaking, ListeningTo measure interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive skills Approx. 2 hours total April 17 to June 12Incorporated 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.

See other grade level tests

Link to grade level tests.

Find out more about student assessments

Link to student assessment.