Testing in Grade 8
Grade 8 student tests
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 8 tests apply content knowledge and skills to prepare students for high school. Required tests for eighth graders 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 |
| Division Benchmarking Assessment - Mathematics | Division ONLY for students in a high school credit-bearing course |
Mathematics | To measure development of content standard knowledge and skills | Approx. 45 minutes | Nov. 8 to Dec. 15 Feb. 12 to Mar. 22 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Division Benchmarking Assessment - G8 Science |
Division | Science | To measure development of content standard knowledge and skills | Approx. 30 minutes | Oct. 18 to Oct. 31 Jan. 3 to Jan. 25 Feb. 20 to Mar. 1 April 11 to April 26 |
Incorporated in ongoing classroom performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Local Alternative Assessments (LAA) | State | Social Studies | To measure knowledge of grade level content standards in place of the SOL test | Approx. 10 to 45 minutes per task | Oct. 2 to May 24 | Incorporated in ongoing classroom performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Math Inventory | Division Winter and Spring ONLY for students below benchmark or not previously tested |
Mathematics | To identify a current mathematical developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes | Aug. 28 to Sept. 29 Dec. 4 to Feb. 2 May 6 to June 7 |
Published in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Documents tab 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. 2 to Nov. 10 April 8 to June 7 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Reading Inventory | Division Winter and Spring ONLY for students below benchmark or not previously tested |
Reading | To identify a current reading developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes | Aug. 28 to Sept. 29 Dec. 4 to Feb. 2 May 6 to June 7 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab 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. 15 minutes | Oct. 10 to Oct. 27 Feb. 26 to Mar. 15 |
Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests | State | Reading with Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW), Mathematics, Science | To measure knowledge of course content standards for state and federal accountability | Approx. 2 hours per subject | IRW only: April 11 to May 10 April 29 to May 31 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) | State ONLY for students taught on an adapted curriculum |
Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies | To measure knowledge of aligned standards for state and federal accountability | Varies Approx. 15 to 45 minutes per task |
Feb. 26 to May 31 | Social Studies distributed to parents/ guardians by the end of the school year Reading/ Mathematics/ Science mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab by the start of the next school year |
| Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) | State ONLY students scheduled to take spring SOL tests Math ONLY for students not in a high school credit-bearing course |
Reading, Mathematics | To measure progress in grade level content standards throughout the year | Approx. 1 hour per subject | Sept. 11 to Oct. 6 Dec. 4-Jan. 18 |
Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 3 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. 16 to Mar. 15 | 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. 2 hours total | Within 14 days of entry from outside Virginia public schools | Distributed to parents/ guardians within approx. 1 month |
| World Language Performance Assessment for Language Students (PALS) | Division ONLY for students Level 1-5, AP, IB, or DE world language courses |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | To measure interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive skills | Approx. 2 hours total | April 17 to June 12 | Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
* 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.
