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. 17 | Incorporated in ongoing classroom performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Math Inventory |
Division ONLY for students enrolled in an Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Part 1 course |
Mathematics | To identify a current mathematical developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 30 to Oct. 29 Dec. 6 to Jan. 28 May 9 to June 10 |
Distributed to parents/guardians 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. 4 to Nov. 12 Mar. 7 to Mar. 31 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test for Schools |
Division ONLY for 15-year old students selected within a random sample |
Reading, Mathematics, Science | To measure skills and creative application of academic content | Approx. 1 hour | Nov. 8 to Nov. 30 | No student-level results are available; School-level reporting to School Board within 1 year |
| Performance-Based Assessment (PBA) for Locally Awarded Verified Credit (LAVC) |
State ONLY for students enrolled in a Social Studies course associated with verified credit |
History | To measure knowledge of course standards and disciplinary skills | Approx. 2-4 hours | Oct. 18 to May 27 | Incorporated in performance communication to parents/guardians as part of final grades |
| Reading Inventory |
Division ONLY for students enrolled in a literacy intervention course |
Reading | To identify a current reading developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 30 to Oct. 29 Dec. 6 to Jan. 28 May 9 to June 10 |
Distributed to parents/guardians 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. 12 to Oct. 22 Jan. 25 to Feb. 11 April 25 to May 13 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| 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 | 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. 6 to Jan. 14 April 25 to May 27 |
Distributed to parents/guardians within approx. 2 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 | Jan. 18 to Mar. 18 | 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.