Students taking the grade 5 or grade 8 SOL Reading test will complete an integrated reading and writing (IRW) component. The IRW component of the SOL Reading test has with one non-fiction reading passage followed by 4-6 of multiple-choice/technology-enhanced items and an “invitation to write” based on the passage.  

Parents/guardians may choose to refuse participation in the IRW component while still agreeing for their student to participate in the required SOL Reading test. The IRW component does not fulfill federal participation requirements or influence school accountability calculations. 

Students in grades 3-4 and 6-8 use local alternative assessments (LAA) with  performance-based assessments (PBA) to measure state standards in content areas without SOL tests. Due to a state waiver tied to School Division of Innovation (SDI) designation, FCPS also uses LAAs in place of SOL tests for grade 4 Virginia Studies and grade 8 Civics and Economics.

NOTIFICATION OF TESTING AND RETEST PERMISSION FORM

State Assessments, Grades 3-8

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Students in grades 3-8 participate in state assessments each year. State assessments measure how students are learning grade level standards. Format and timing of state assessments vary by subject and grade level. See the table below. Test formats include:

• Standards of Learning (SOL) mathematics, science, and reading standardized tests with an integrated reading and writing (IRW) component;
• Ongoing local alternative assessments (LAAs) completed as part of classroom instruction in science and social studies;
• Growth assessments completed as part of classroom instruction using the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) for mathematics and iReady for reading.

More information about these assessments can be found on the webpage: SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools  ( https://www.fcps.edu/node/42716 ). The Grade Level Tests webpage ( https://www.fcps.edu/node/50045 ) outlines the division testing schedule for required assessments at each grade. School staff will contact you with the specific dates your student is scheduled to take spring SOL tests.

The state allows elementary and middle school students who fail a spring SOL test to have another attempt before the end of the school year. Retests are not offered for the integrated reading and writing (IRW) component.  Parent/guardian permission is required for the school to retest any student in grades 3-8.A decision not  to allow retesting will not impact your student’s course grade or academic record. 

If you believe your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills on the spring SOL test, submit your decision using the Parent Digital Consent application( https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent ). This application uses your SIS ParentVUE login. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE Account,  you may complete and return the form below to the school to give permission for retesting. 

If you have questions about state assessments or about SOL retesting, contact your student’s teacher or the school test coordinator.

SOL Parent/Guardian Permission to Retest Form (for Parents without a SIS ParentVUE Account)

Parent/guardian permission is required for the school to retest any student in grades 3-8. If you believe your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills on the spring SOL test, complete this permission form and return it to your student’s teacher or the school test coordinator. Please return a separate form for each student in grades 3-8.

Student Name _________________________________________ FCPS ID #________________ Gra de Level ________

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name (Printed) _____________________________________________________________________

Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature ______________________________________________________ Date _______________

 _____ No, do not retest my student even if their first attempt is close to a 400 passing score. 

 _____ Yes, provide my student with the opportunity to retake any spring SOL tests if they fail the first attempt.

 _____ Yes, provide my student with the opportunity to retake only the following spring SOL test(s) if they fail the first attempt  (see table above for SOL subjects tested at your student’s grade level):

SOL assessments measure how students are learning the state standards for their grade level course. 

Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science. For grades 5 and 8, the SOL reading test includes an integrated reading and writing (IRW) component.

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. 

Under Virginia law, students in grades 3-8 are expected to take part in the Virginia Assessment Program to assess the Virginia Standards of Learning, or SOLs. 

Multilingual learners (MLs) in grades 3-8 with less than 12 months of instruction in U.S. schools may be eligible for a one-time exemption from the SOL reading test, as determined by the student's ML Committee. 

Reading, math, and science SOL tests are delivered between late April and late May each spring. Schools set their own specific test dates for each grade level and tested subject. 

The grade 5 and grade 8 Integrated Reading and Writing component of the SOL reading test is delivered earlier in the spring, generally in March or early April. 

SOL reading, math, and science 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. 

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.

OLs 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.

Some 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.