1. Are students in elementary and middle school required to take state tests?
All students enrolled in Virginia public schools are expected to take the applicable state tests. For students in elementary and middle school, these tests include reading and math in grades 3-8 as well as history and science tests administered once at each level.
2. Is there a testing opt-out option in Virginia?
Per state regulations, there is no opt-out of testing in Virginia. Students who do not take applicable tests receive a score of 0 and the parent refusal impacts the school’s federal participation rate.
3. How do state tests relate to the verified credits required for high school graduation?
Each student in middle and secondary school shall take all applicable end-of-course tests following the completion of the related course. After receiving a passing score on the tests, students receive verified credits for graduation. Students must earn five verified credits (math, reading, writing, history, and science) to earn a standard or advanced diploma. Once a student has earned a verified credit in a subject, then, they do not take end-of-course tests in the same subject area unless the test is necessary for federal accountability requirements (math, science, reading).
4. When will state testing occur in CCPS?
The division spring SOL window opens up the week of April 15 for the new integrated reading and writing component of the reading test. Division SOL testing runs through the week of May 13.
5. What can I do to prepare my child for testing?
The Virginia Department of Education has developed practice items for each test. To find out more about these practice items, go to the SOL Practice Item page. It is important that on the day of testing that students get plenty of sleep the night before, eat a good breakfast, and feel motivated to excel. Familiarity with the tools and types of questions that are available on the tests is one factor that can increase a student’s level of comfort and feelings of motivation.
