Testing in Grade 9
Grade 9 student tests
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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.
| 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 Algebra 1, Geometry, 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. 2 months 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 |
| PISA-Based OECD Test for Schools |
Division ONLY for students identified in a random sampling of 15-year-olds |
Reading, Mathematics, Science | To measure skills and creative application of knowledge using real world problems | Approx. 2 hours total | Nov. 29 to Dec. 9 | School and division performance incorporated in annual reporting to the School Board; individual student results are not available |
| 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. 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. 20 minutes |
Oct. 17 to Nov. 4 Mar. 1 to Mar. 24 |
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 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. 2 hours total | Within 14 days of entry from outside Virginia public schools | Distributed 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, Listening | To measure interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive skills | Approx. 2 hours total | April 17 to June 9 | Incorporated 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.