Testing in Grade 9
Grade 9 student tests
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 9 tests measure students' learning of specific and broad content and skills. Required tests for ninth 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 |
| Brief Screen for Adolescent Depression (BSAD) | Division | Mental Health and Wellness | To identify symptoms of depression | Approx. 10 minutes | Aug. 23 to Dec. 16 | Incorporated in ongoing classroom performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Math Inventory |
Division ONLY for students in an Alg. 1, Geom., and AFDA courses Winter and Spring ONLY for students below fall benchmark |
Mathematics | To identify a current mathematical developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 29 to Sept. 30 Dec. 5 to Jan. 25 May 8 to June 9 |
Published in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| NoRedInk Writing Diagnostic | Division | Writing | To monitor progress in writing mechanics and grammar usage skills | Approx. 30 minutes |
Oct. 3 to Nov. 10 Mar. 20 to April 20 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Reading Inventory |
Division Winter and Spring ONLY for students below fall benchmark |
Reading | To identify a current reading developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 29 to Sept. 30 Dec. 5 to Jan. 25 May 8 to June 9 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month 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. 20 minutes |
Oct. 17 to Nov. 4 Mar. 1 to Mar. 24 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests |
State ONLY for enrolled in a SOL course who need a test for federal participation or verified credit for graduation |
Mathematics, Science, History | To measure knowledge of course content standards for state and federal accountability | Approx. 2 hours per subject |
Schedule based on course and graduation requirements Nov. 29 to Jan. 10 April 24 to June 2 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| State Performance-Based Assessments (PBAs) |
State ONLY for students in a social studies course identified for PBAs |
History | To measure social studies disciplinary skills as part of a collection of evidence used to locally award verified credit toward graduation | Approx. 1-3 hours | Aug. 29 to May 26 | Incorporated in performance communication to parents/guardians as part of final grades |
| 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. 17 to Mar. 17 | 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. 90 minutes | 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.