NOTIFICATION OF TESTING

SOL Grade 9-12 Assessments

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Your student will be taking one or more Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course (EOC) assessments between _________________ and _________________. Some SOL assessments are required under federal law, and some may be needed to verify credit for high school graduation. The table below shows the SOL EOC tests available to fulfill federal participation and/or verified credit requirements.

• Federal law requires schools to provide students one SOL test in reading, in mathematics, and in science during grades 9-12. These assessments provide information about student achievement to the parent/guardian, school, division, and state.
• State law requires students to verify credits to fulfill Standard and Advanced Studies diploma requirements, as outlined on the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning  webpage ( https://www.fcps.edu/academics/graduation-requirements-and-course-plannin g). SOL tests are the most common way students earn the verified credits they need. However, performance assessments (social studies only) or substitute assessments approved by the Virginia Board of Education may be another option available for your student to verify certain credits.

A SOL Tests in High School  webpage ( https://www.fcps.edu/node/35021 ) provides more information about SOL EOC tests in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Information about timing and process for accessing SOL test results can be found on the SOL Grade 9-12 Results  webpage ( https://www.fcps.edu/node/35200 ). 

All SOL assessments are taken in-person at school. School staff will schedule and communicate specific testing dates for your student based on their individual assessment needs. If you do not want your student to participate in SOL assessments, you may choose to refuse testing. However, any decision to refuse SOL tests should be made in consultation with school staff to allow full consideration of any potential implications for on-time graduation. See the Right to Refuse Assessments webpage section ( https://www.fcps.edu/node/34277 ) for information to support this decision.

If you have questions about SOL testing, please contact your student’s school counselor or the assessment coach/school test coordinator at your student’s school.

Students who are currently enrolled in SOL-associated courses may take the SOL end-of-course (EOC) test if they have not yet met federal participation requirements  or  if they need verified credit for graduation.

Students who have previously earned standard credit for a course but have not yet earned a qualifying test score also have the opportunity to take the SOL EOC test.

Students who have already met their testing requirements both for graduation and federal participation are not allowed to test.

SOL assessments measure how students are learning the state standards for their high school course. 

To earn verified credit for a standard or advanced studies diploma, students need two components: standard credit for the course and a qualifying test result.

Virginia law permits students to earn verified credit based on SOL tests, state-approved substitute tests, or state-developed performance assessments. SOL tests are the most common way Virginia students verify credit for graduation. 

A score of 400-600 is "passing" on a SOL test and qualifies a student for verified credit.

Students who score between 350-399 on a SOL test automatically have an opportunity for an expedited retake during the same testing window. Expedited retakes are optional.

In some cases, a student who scores below 400 may be eligible to earn a Locally Awarded Verified Credit (LAVC). To qualify for LAVC, students must meet specific criteria, and these decisions are handled on an individual basis. 

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requires that all SOL tests be taken in-person at an approved FCPS site under secure testing conditions. 

Most SOL tests are completed online. Paper format tests are available for certain students as a testing accommodation or based on medical need. 

SOL results are delivered through SIS ParentVUE. Additional details about score reports, including information on understanding SOL scores, can be found on the  SOL Test Results webpage.

The Virginia Board of Education has approved certain substitute tests  (such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and WorkKeys) that can be used for verified credit.

If the student earns a qualifying test score on the substitute exam, they no longer need to take a SOL test for verified credit. Some students already have a qualifying substitute test score for a course. Other students may plan to take a substitute test this year. 

However, substitute tests do not fulfill federal participation requirements. Students will still be offered a SOL test when they enroll in a SOL-associated English, Biology, or Mathematics course. 

Because SOL tests are the most common way to verify credit for graduation, any decision to refuse participation in an available SOL test could affect on-time graduation for your student. The  SOL Participation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below can provide you some important context to consider.

We hear this concern from many families. Students do take multiple assessments.

SOLs are required by the state and serve a specific purpose:

• Providing a consistent, statewide measure of learning
• Ensuring accountability across all schools in Virginia

SOL requirements, participation expectations, and accountability systems are set by the Virginia Department of Education and state law.

If you have feedback about how SOLs impact your child or family, your voice matters. You can also share input with state education leaders.

SOLs are required by the Virginia Department of Education—not by Fairfax County Public Schools or your child’s school. But they do have a real impact on your child’s school:

• School ratings : SOL results are a major factor in how schools are rated by the state (School Performance and Support Framework – SPSF)
• Funding : School ratings can influence state funding decisions
• School Perception : School ratings are publicly reported and can affect how communities and homebuyers view a school.

Participation and performance don’t just affect schools internally—they shape how your school is perceived and supported.

There have been recent changes to Virginia standards including the new accountability system called the  School Performance and Support Framework that measures school success in student performance. SOL participation is part of how the scores are calculated.

While there is no formal “opt-out” policy, parents can refuse SOL test participation for their children. Please speak to your child’s school administration about the impact and implications. 

If a student does not take the SOL:

• The school records an incomplete/missing score, which can lower the school’s overall performance rating because there are state expectations for participation rates. Too many non-participants can result in additional state oversight.
• For students enrolled in high-school credit bearing courses who need the verified credit (VC) to graduate, parents/guardians and the students should also be made aware of the potential impact of refusal for a student’s ability to access verified credits necessary for on-time graduation and/or specific diploma requirements.  Refusing the test does not change students’ VC requirements for graduation. Potential impacts on graduation should be clearly communicated to parents/guardians who are considering refusal.
• Parents/guardians may reference the  Right to Refuse Testing public webpage for additional considerations when deciding whether to refuse testing.

Today, most SOLs do not count toward course grades. However:

• SOLs are already tied to graduation requirements in middle and high school because there are a certain number of verified credits required to graduate. Verified credit involves taking an SOL exam.
• The Virginia General Assembly is considering a law that would require SOLs to count as 10% of a final grade in some cases.
• SOL scores are sometimes used for course placement and academic planning. For example, if a student tests well in a math SOL, they may be considered for a higher-level course the next school year.

In addition, taking the test now can help students build familiarity and reduce stress if/when stakes increase.

SOLs are not the only factor—but they are an important one.

They are used alongside classroom performance to:

• Identify students ready for advanced coursework
• Ensure students are placed in courses where they can be successful
• Flag when additional support may be needed

They do not automatically block opportunities—but they inform decisions.

FCPS and your child’s school staff have multiple ways to support your student including::

• Retakes
• Targeted support for retesting
• Students may use locally awarded verified credits (LAVC)
• In some cases: substitute tests (SPLAVC-A) or other approved options

A single test attempt does not determine a student’s future or diploma path.

We don’t want students coming to school to take an SOL when they are not feeling well. There are testing windows available so your child will still have the opportunity to complete the SOL on a later date.

This is a common and valid concern and your child’s school is here to help. 

There are approved accommodations for students with disabilities or language needs. In addition, schools are able to provide, as appropriate:

• Small-group or separate testing environments
• Reduced distractions (quiet rooms, sound buffering)
• Scheduled breaks
• Unlimited time (students can take as long as needed, even beyond the school day if necessary)
• Multi-day testing options

It’s also important to know:

• Avoiding testing can sometimes increase anxiety over time
• Practicing in a supported setting can help reduce that anxiety

If you feel the test is not appropriate or accessible for your child, please contact your school directly so we can problem-solve with you.

You can also review our  test taking tips online to support your child leading up to a testing day.

ome students have transitioned from VAAP to SOL assessments.

We recognize this may feel like a significant shift. If you believe the SOL is not accessible or appropriate for your child, please contact your school to discuss options and supports.