Testing in Kindergarten
Kindergarten student tests
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), kindergarten tests focus on basic literacy and numeracy development. Required tests for kindergarteners 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 |
| Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) | State | Social Emotional Skills | To measure self-control and the ability to successfully interact with peers and adults | Approx. 20 minutes |
Sept. 12 to Nov. 4 April 11 to May 19 |
Mailed or published in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
| Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) | State | Mathematics | To measure early mathematics abilities and growth | Approx. 20 minutes |
Sept. 6 to Nov. 4 April 11 to May 19 |
Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
| Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) |
State Winter ONLY for students below fall benchmark |
Reading | To identify gaps in foundational literacy skills and measure progress | Approx. 30 minutes |
Oct. 3 to Oct. 28 Jan. 4 to Feb. 3 April 24 to May 19 |
Fall results mailed within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window Winter results incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians Spring results mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab 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 total | 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 |
Speaking, Listening Beginning Jan. 25: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening |
To determine eligibility for English learner services, in compliance with federal law |
Approx. 15 to 30 minutes |
Aug. 23 to Sept. 19 OR within 14 days of enrollment |
Distributed to parents/guardians within 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.