Students may be taking one or more Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course (EOC) assessments in the Spring. All SOL assessments are taken in-person at school.  

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 non-writing 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 graduation requirements, as outlined on the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/graduation-requirements-and-course-planning). 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 High School Assessment Frequently Asked Questions webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43148) provides more information about SOL EOC tests in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Q: What should my child bring to school specifically for testing?

A: Students should bring a pencil, their FCPSOn Computer, and charger to testing. Students should not bring personal computers, as they cannot be used for SOL testing.  They are permitted a water bottle, sweater, or jacket as well. 

Q: What time of day and date do SOLs begin?

A: Students will be notified via email about their specific test dates and times at least one week prior to testing. All test sessions will begin at 8:10.

Q: How long are the SOLs?

A: SOL tests are untimed, but must be completed in one school day. Most tests take between 90-120 minutes.

Q: Which classes have SOLs?

A: At the high school level, there are 10 End of Course classes that have SOLs.

• English 11 and AP LANG: Writing and Reading
• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Algebra 2
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Geosystems: Earth Science
• World History I*
• World History II*
• United States and Virginia History (US/VA)*

* FCPS has adopted state flexibility allowing the division to verify credit based on classroom performance assessment in place of the SOL test for all students currently taking World History 1, World History 2, and Virginia and U.S. History courses. 

Q: What content is covered on the SOL exam?

A: Visit the VDOE for resources like updated standards, practice tests, and materials. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/index.shtml

Q: When are make-up tests?

A: Make-up tests will be scheduled throughout the test window. If you know that your child will be absent from testing in advance, check the calendar for the make-up dates.

Q: What happens if my child does not pass an SOL?

A: The passing score range is 400-600. If a student scores within a range of 350-399, he or she will be permitted to retake the SOL after remediating with a teacher. 

Q: What SOLs does my child need, depending on his or her diploma type and ninth grade entry date?

A: You can follow this link to the requirements for the standard and advanced studies diplomas regarding verified credits for students who enter the ninth grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and beyond.

TBD

If you do not want your student to participate in SOL assessments, you have the right 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. 

The Right to Refuse Assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/34277) offers important information as you consider this decision.

In most cases, SOL assessment results are available in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE within about three months.  Your student should get their scores a few days later in class from their content teacher.