Virginia Growth Assessments (VGA)

Virginia legislation requires growth assessments for Grade 3-8 students

In 2021, the Virginia General Assembly introduced the expectation for new state "through-year" assessments in elementary and middle schools. Beginning in 2022-23, students in grades 3-8 take the Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) in fall and winter. The purpose of these assessments is to measure student growth and progress in reading and mathematics content standards. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What content is on the VGA?

  • The focus for VGA test content depends on the testing window:
    • Fall VGA tests primarily address content standards from the reading and mathematics courses the student took last year;
    • Winter VGA tests primarily assess content standards for the reading and mathematics courses the student is taking this year
  • As detailed in the test blueprints, VGA tests ask questions on standards across the entire curriculum for the school year. This means that when students take the Fall and Winter VGA tests, they have not yet received instruction for all the assessed standards. 
  • The online computer-adaptive VGA tests may also provide some questions for the grade level below and/or above.

What is the format for the VGA?

  • VGA is taken at the school under supervision of school staff. 
  • Questions use Standards of Learning (SOL)-like items to measure current knowledge and skills in the content area.
  • This online, computer-adaptive tests is about half as long as the spring SOL test.

Who participates in VGA tests?

Grade 3-8 students who are scheduled to take a grade 3-8 reading or mathematics SOL test in Spring 2023 will also participate in Fall and Winter VGA tests. VGA tests are not available for students scheduled to take Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) tests. Additionally, students enrolled in a high school level math course will not take a VGA in mathematics. 

When are VGA given?

  • Beginning in 2022-23, students in grades 3-8 take the Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) in fall and winter.
  • Schools will provide information about the test schedule of their building.

How are VGA results used?

  • There is no “passing” or “failing” outcome for the VGA. 
  • Results give teachers information about student strengths and areas for support. 
  • VGA results are also used within Standards of Accreditation calculations for the school. 
  • A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource for understanding VGA results can be found on the VGA Score Reports webpage

HOW ARE PARENTS INFORMED ABOUT TESTING?

Grade 3-8 State Assessment Notification Letters

HOW ARE TEST RESULTS REPORTED TO PARENTS?

Virginia Growth Assessment Score Report Letters

Find out more about student assessments

Link to student assessment.

Find out about tests at each grade level

Link to grade level tests