Primary grade levels PreK-2 use different assessments to meet state and division requirements. Students in grades PreK-2 participate in literacy screeners required by the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA). Mathematics screeners fulfill a Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) requirement for grades PreK-K and fulfill a FCPS Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirement for grades 1-2.

• Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) is used with all  Grade PreK-2  students in fall, winter, and spring
• Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) is used with all  Grade  PreK and Kindergarten students in fall and spring
• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math is used with all Grade 1-2students in fall, winter, and spring.

Sometimes teachers need more information to understand a student's strengths and needs. In these cases, a diagnostic test is used to plan supports. Further information on additional diagnostic assessments is shared following testing.  

NOTIFICATION OF TESTING 

Academic Screening and Growth Tests, Grades PreK-2

Dear Parents and Guardians: 

The Virginia government requires assessments for the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) in all schools. These assessments help state officials understand literacy and school readiness needs across Virginia. Additionally, the mathematics assessment in grades 1-2 fulfills a Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirement. Test results help teachers, school leaders, and parents know how to support each student’s learning and development. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests  webpage  ( https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests ) provides more information on these tests.

Teachers assess all PreK-2 students with the VALLSS in fall, winter, and spring. Grade PreK-K EMAS and CBRS tests are given in fall and spring. In grades 1-2, all students take the MAP Math test in fall, winter, and spring. Tests are delivered within the classroom instructional block. Teachers set specific testing dates for each class. General timing for required screening is available on the Grade Level Tests webpage ( https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests ).

Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading plan or math intervention plan. Some students may need additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening, growth, or diagnostic tests, please contact your student’s teacher or the school's test coordinator.

Grades PreK-2 studentsreceive score reports for each screening and growth tests they took during an assessment window. 

• Results for MAP Math testsare reported in the Family Growth Report provided below, which is used across grades 1-2. Contents of the family growth report for 2025-26 is in development. More information about MAP score reports is available on the MAP Test Information webpage.
• Results for VALLSS testsare reported in the VALLSS Family Score Reports , which are used across grades PreK-8. Contents of the VALLSS family score reports (PreK version and grade 1-8 version)  for 2025-26 are in development.
• Results for EMAS and CBRS testsare reported in the VKRP Family Score Reports , which are used across grades PreK-K. Contents of the VKRP family score reports (PreK version and Kindergarten version) for 2025-26 are in development.

Upper elementary and middle school grade levels 3-8 use different assessments to meet state requirements. Reading screeners and additional diagnostics fulfill Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) requirements. Mathematics screeners fulfill FCPS Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirements. Screening tests at these grades also serve as growth assessments to fulfill Virginia Assessment Program (VAP) requirements.

• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math is used in fall, winter, and spring with all students scheduled to take a spring SOL test
• iReady Reading is used in fall, winter, and spring with all students scheduled to take a spring SOL test
• Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) is required for select students each window.
  • In fall,VALLSS is used with grade 3students new to Virginia public schools and students whose past spring VALLSS scores showed a need for support. Fall VALLSS is also used with grade 4-8students who failed their past spring SOL Reading test or had read-aloud/audio testing accommodations on the SOL Reading test.
  • In winter,VALLSS is used with grade 3students whose fall VALLSS scores showed a need for support. Winter VALLSS is also used with the grade 4-8students who were identified to take the fall VALLSS test based on a failing SOL Reading test.
  • In spring,VALLSS is again used with grade 3students whose fall VALLSS scores showed a need for support. No spring VALLSS test is available for students in grades 4-8.

Sometimes teachers need more information to understand a student's strengths and needs. In these cases, a diagnostic test is used to plan supports. Further information on additional diagnostic assessments is shared following testing.  

NOTIFICATION OF TESTING 

Elementary Academic Screening and Growth Tests, Grades 3-8

The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) require schools to provide reading and mathematics screening tests for all students in grades 3-8. These assessments also fulfill a requirement for reading and mathematics growth assessments within the Virginia Assessment Program (VAP). Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development.

• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math- required for all students who are scheduled to take the spring Standards of Learning (SOL)
• iReady Reading- required for all students who are scheduled to take the spring SOL
• Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) - required for certain students based on other reading performance data

If your student is identified to participate in VALLSS, you will receive additional communication from your student’s school with details about this assessment. Families may also choose to opt-in to VALLSS participation by contacting their student’s teacher. 

Teachers assess grade 3-8 students with MAP Math, iReady Reading, and VALLSS in fall, winter, and spring. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests  webpage ( https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests ) provides more information on these tests.

iReady and MAP tests are generally delivered during the classroom instructional block. VALLSS may be delivered within classroom instruction or at another time, such as an intervention or advisory period. The division schedule for iReady, MAP, and VALLSS tests can be found on the Grade Level Tests  webpage ( https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests ). Teachers set specific testing schedules for students in their class. 

Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading plan or math intervention plan. Some students may require additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening, growth, or diagnostic tests, please contact your student’s teacher or the school's test coordinator. 

NOTIFICATION OF TESTING

Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System, Grades 3-8

Dear Parents and Guardians: 

Your student has been identified to participate in the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) during the upcoming school year. The VALLSS assessment helps identify areas for additional reading support and instruction that may benefit your student. 

VALLSS is a state-required test for certain students in grades 3-8. Schools may also test additional students to get more information to support reading growth. The state requires VALLSS testing for the following students.

• Grade 3:
  • new to Virginia public schools;
  • based on previous spring VALLSS performance;
• Grade 4-8:
  • based on previous spring Standards of Learning (SOL) Reading test data, including use of audio or read aloud testing accommodations;
  • based on the current fall iReady Reading test, if the student did not take a SOL Reading test the previous spring. 

VALLSS is part of Virginia’s work to help every student become a strong and confident reader. See the VALLSS Information webpage ( https://www.fcps.edu/node/50319 ) to learn more. The VALLSS assessment checks for skills that support reading success, such as:

• reading words and sentences accurately and fluently;
• understanding what is read (comprehension);
• knowing the meaning of words (vocabulary);
• using correct grammar and sentence structure.

Teachers use VALLSS results to guide instruction and provide extra help that may be needed. After testing is complete, you will receive a score report with details on your student’s test performance. Additionally, if a reading support plan is recommended, you will receive a summary of areas to focus on based on your student’s results.

If you have any questions about the VALLSS assessment or your student’s reading progress, please contact your student’s teacher or the school. Thank you for supporting your student’s reading development.

Grade 3-8 students receive score reports for each screening and growth tests they took during an assessment window. 

• Results for iReady Reading and MAP Math testsare reported in the Family Growth Report provided below, which is used across  grades 3-8.Contents of the family growth report for 2025-26 is in development.  More information about results for these tests can be found on the iReady Test Information and MAP Test Information webpages.
• Results for VALLSS testsare reported in the  VALLSS Family Score Reports , which are used across  grades 3-8. Contents of the VALLSS family score reports for 2025-26 are in development.

High schools use reading and mathematics screening and growth assessments to fulfill Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and FCPS Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirements . These assessments are used in selected high school courses. All students in the course test in fall. Students whose fall score is below benchmark will retest in the winter and spring. Teachers may also decide retesting is needed to provide updated information on strengths and areas of growth.

• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math is used in Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra Functions and Data Analysis, Algebra 2, and multilingual learner math courses.
• MAP Reading is used in English 9, English 10, and English 11 courses

Sometimes teachers need more information to understand a student's strengths and needs. In these cases, a diagnostic test is used to plan supports. Further information on additional diagnostic assessments is shared following testing.  

NOTIFICATION OF TESTING 

Academic Screening and Growth Tests, Grades 9-12

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) uses Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments to determine students’ status and growth for reading and mathematics skills in selected high school courses. Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests  webpage ( https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests ) provides more information on these tests. 

MAP Reading

• Required Testing:Students enrolled in an English 9, English 10, and English 11 course are required to participate in the fall. Some students will also test in winter and/or spring to monitor progress.
• Optional Testing:This test may be administered in certain other high school English courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). 

MAP Math: 

• Required Testing:Students enrolled in an Algebra 1 or Algebra 1, Part 1 course are required to participate in fall, winter, and spring. Students enrolled in multilingual learner (ML) mathematics courses, Algebra Functions and Data Analysis, Geometry, Algebra 2, and equivalent courses are required to test in the fall. Some students in these courses will also test in winter and/or spring to monitor progress.
• Optional Testing: This test is also available for students with disabilities enrolled in Individual Math, based on their individualized education program (IEP) goals.

Tests are delivered within the classroom instructional block. The division schedule for MAP tests can be found on the Grade Level Tests  webpage ( https://www.fcps.edu/node/50045 ). Teachers set specific testing dates for each class.

Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading math intervention plan. Some students may require additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening or growth, or diagnostic tests, please contact your student’s teacher or the school's test coordinator. 

Grade 9-12 students receive score reports for each screening and growth tests they took during an assessment window. 

Results for MAP Math and MAP Reading testsare reported in the Family Growth Report provided below, which is used across  grades 9-12.Contents of the family growth report for 2025-26 is in development.  More information about results for these tests can be found on the MAP Test Information webpages.

Based on results from academic screening assessments, some students may require additional testing to further identify specific learning areas that need support. The additional diagnostic assessment score report letter template is a resource for teachers to communicate to parents and guardians which additional assessments were given and notes describing important information learned from these tests.

This template is meant to be used across grades K-12 when student's screening results in reading or mathematics prompt teachers to further assess the student's strengths and areas of need. The academic screeners that may initiate additional testing are: 

Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) in grades K-8

Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS ) in grade K

iReady Reading tests in grades 3-8

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math tests in grades 1-12

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Reading tests in grades 9-12

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC SCORE REPORT LETTERDate: ___________________

Dear  Parent(s)/ Guardian(s):

Your student recently took an academic screening assessment for reading and/or mathematics, such as Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS), Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP), iReady, and/or Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). You received a score report for these screening tests. 

Based on your student's scores, school staff needed more information about possible areas for support. Your student took diagnostic assessment(s) to help teachers understand their learning needs. You can learn more about screening and diagnostic tests in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) at:  https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests . Information about your student’s recent diagnostic test(s) is below.

School staff review all available data to determine if your student needs interventions. Teachers will share any intervention or support plans for your student. You can find information about intervention and support decisions at:  https://www.fcps.edu/academics/multi-tiered-systems-supportresponsive-instruction . 

The additional assessments administered to your student are checked in the list below. 

       ___ CORE Phonics Survey

       ___  Phonological Awareness Skills Screener (PASS)

       ___  iReady Passage Reading Fluency (PRF)

       ___  Addition and Subtraction

       ___ Counting

       ___  Multiplication and Division

        ___  Place Value

        ___  Fractions

       ___ Other:  ________________                                                                                                      

Below you will find notes from your student’s teacher with any important points learned from their diagnostic test(s) checked above.