Each year, students at different grade levels are expected to participate in Standards of Learning (SOL) testing or a variety of other related alternative assessments. A small number of additional tests are administered locally by Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) at specific grade levels.
| Grade Level | Test | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grade K-3 | Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) | The Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) is a state-mandated assessment for K–3 students designed to identify reading strengths and risks. It measures foundational skills like phonological awareness, decoding, and language comprehension as part of Virginia’s Early Intervention Reading Initiative (EIRI). The goal of EIRI is to reduce the number of children with reading problems through early diagnosis and immediate interventions. |
| Grade 2 Grade 6 Grade 9 |
Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Test - 3rd Edition (NNAT3) | NNAT3 is designed to assess the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills. During this test, students are asked to solve a series of non-verbal logic problems. NNAT3 provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate reasoning skills without relying on language. The results of NNAT3 will be used in combination with other classroom achievement information to assist teachers in understanding the learning strengths and needs of each individual student. |
| Grade 3 | Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) | CogAT is designed to appraise the cognitive development of students. Its authors claim that the test measures a student's learned reasoning abilities developed through both in-school and out-of-school experiences. Results from CogAT will be used in combination with other classroom achievement information to assist teachers in understanding the learning strengths and needs of each individual student. |
The Virginia Board of Education has developed the Virginia Assessment Program to assess students' academic progress in the Standards of Learning (SOL). The SOLs indicate Virginia's expectations for what students should know and be able to do in the subject areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history/social science.
| Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 | Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
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Middle school students enrolled in an end-of-course subject will take the corresponding SOL end-of-course test.
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 |
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This list represents the grade at which students traditionally participate in these end-of-course tests. Students who enroll in these courses are expected to participate in the associated SOL test or alternative assessment, except in cases where a high school student has already earned the required verified credit in the relevant subject area and met all federal participation requirements outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA). ESSA requires the annual assessment of students in reading and math in grades 3-8 and at least once in grades 9-12. In addition, students must be assessed in science at least once in grades 3-5, once in grades 6-9, and once in grades 10-12.
Additional information related to the SOLs and verified credit requirements for graduation is available online at the Virginia Department of Education website.
Learn about Substitute Tests Approved for Awarding Verified Credit.