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.
| 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. 22 to Dec. 15 | Incorporated in ongoing classroom performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Division Benchmarking Assessment - Mathematics | Division | Mathematics | To measure development of content standard knowledge and skills | Approx. 45 minutes |
Nov. 8 to Dec. 15 Feb. 12 to Mar. 22 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Division Benchmarking Assessment - Science |
Division ONLY for students in a Biology course |
Biology | To 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 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 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 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. 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 |
Reading | To identify a current reading 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 |
| 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 ONLY students needing a test for federal participation or verified credit |
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 Dec. 5 to Jan. 18 April 22 to May 31 |
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. 28 to May 24 | 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. 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 |
| 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 12 | 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.