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Assessments

Assessments are an integral part of the teaching and learning process. Teachers give assessments to students to check for understanding and to gather information about students' knowledge and skills, which guides instructional practices. Both are required to optimize student growth.

Parents and guardians should contact their children's schools with any testing questions or for additional information about how schools and teachers use test results to support student success. In most cases, a student score report is available within ParentVUE, under the Documents tab, after the test window has closed.

Assessments by Grade Level

Elementary School Assessments: K-5

Grade	Test Name	Requirement Source	Content Tested	Purpose of Test	Time	Administration Schedule
K & 1	Assessing Math Concepts (AMC) or Universal Screener for Number Sense (USNS)	Stafford Schools	Mathematics Screener	Assesses foundational number sense to determine instructional needs. These are interactive 1:1 assessments	About 10 minutes each administration	Fall, Winter, Spring
K-5	Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)	Stafford Schools	Aptitude assessment	CogAT measures a student's learned reasoning and problem-solving abilities; it is also used as one of several data points for gifted identification. Students in grade K-5 may be assessed if they do not already have scores.	About 3 hours	Administered throughout the school year.
2	Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) screener	Stafford Schools	Gifted Screener	A short-form version of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) designed to evaluate a student's reasoning and problem-solving skills rather than their academic knowledge. It assesses verbal, qualitative, and nonverbal/figural skills. Performance identifies potential students for the gifted program.	About 30-60 minutes	Fall
K-5	DESSA (Mini)	Stafford Schools	Social emotional learning skills	A standardized, strength-based behavior rating scale used by educators to measure students' social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies: measures key aspects such as self-awareness, relationship skills, personal responsibility, decision making, and self-management.	Less than 5 minutes per student	Fall, Spring NOTE: ES DESSA is completed by the teacher, there is no student assessment.
K-5	DIBELS	Local choice to meet state requirement	Literacy foundational skills	DIBELS assesses key literacy areas: phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle and phonics, accuracy and fluency, and comprehension. Only certain students in grades K-1 are assessed, and all students in grades 2-5 are assessed.	About 10 minutes each administration	Fall, Winter, Spring
3 and 5	Local Alternative Assessments	State	Writing, science and history	Local assessments in grade 3 history, grade 3 science, and grade 5 writing. Administered to measure knowledge of grade level content standards in place of a previously administered SOL test.	Varies by student and by task	Administered throughout the school year
3-5	Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)	Stafford Schools	Mathematics and reading achievement	MAP is an adaptive assessment in reading and math used for guiding instruction and monitoring student growth.	Varies: 45 minutes to 2 hours	Fall and Winter
3-5	Standards of Learning Assessments (SOL)	State	Reading, writing, math, science, and history content mastery	To measure knowledge of grade level content standards for state and federal accountability. Grades 3 through 5 are assessed in both reading and math, grade 5 is assessed with an additional integrated reading and writing component, grade 5 is assessed in science. and grade 4 is assessed in Virginia Studies.	About 2-3 hours per test	Spring
K-5	Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS)	State	Literacy fundamentals and reading	VALLS K-3 identifies students who are at-risk of developing reading difficulties, and serves as a measure of foundational literacy skills and language development. Assessment results are used to create Student Reading Plans and target instruction. The administration of this assessment is tied to funds received for Early Literacy initiatives from the state of Virginia in the district. All K through 2 students are assessed, and certain 3 through 5 students are assessed. VALLS 4-8 identifies relative strengths and weaknesses in specific literacy skill areas, including both code-based and language comprehension skills, and is designed to provide a better understanding of why students are experiencing difficulty, which can be used to guide instruction for improved reading outcomes. Only students who meet certain criteria in grades 4 through 8 are assessed.	Varies by student	K, 1, 3 through 5: Fall, Winter, Spring 2: Fall, Winter
3-5	Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP)	State	For reading, math, science, and history Reading, math, and science: based on the Essential Standards of Learning (ESOL) History: based on the Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOL)	Grades 3-5 take online assessments in reading and mathematics, and grade 5 students take the Grade 5 Science VAAP to measure knowledge and application of grade level content standards for state and federal accountability. There is a portfolio collection of evidence to demonstrate proficiency level in history.	Varies by student	Spring NOTE: VAAP is only for students with significant cognitive disabilities and the test administration is determined by the IEP team
K	Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP)	State	The EMAS portion of the VKRP program assesses early mathematics ability and growth, while CBRS assesses social-emotional skills, including self-regulation and social skills. CBRS is a teacher checklist.	VKRP assesses kindergarten students’ math and social/emotional readiness for kindergarten.	About 30 minutes each administration	Fall, Winter, Spring
K-5	WIDA ACCESS	State	English language proficiency	Federal and state mandated English language proficiency assessment given to students identified as English learners that monitors students' progress in acquiring English language proficiency in the domains of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening assessments. Students who are unable to participate may take the Alternate ACCESS test.	About 3 to 4 hours for all domains	Winter
K-5	WIDA Screener	State	English language proficiency	Administered to certain newly enrolled students to assess their level of English language acquisition in the domains of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening assessments. The data is used to determine eligibility for English Learner services.	About 30 minutes per domain, with 4 domains	Administered to newly enrolled students throughout the school year.

Middle School Assessments: 6-8

Grade	Test Name	Requirement Source	Content Tested	Purpose of Test	Time	Administration Schedule
6-8	Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)	SCPS	Aptitude assessment	CogAT measures a student's learned reasoning and problem-solving abilities; it is also used as one of several data points for gifted identification. Students in grade 6-8 may be assessed if they do not already have scores.	About 3 hours	Administered throughout the school year.
6-8	Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) screener	SCPS	Gifted Screener	A short-form version of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) designed to evaluate a student's reasoning and problem-solving skills rather than their academic knowledge. It assesses verbal, qualitative, and nonverbal/figural skills. Performance identifies potential students for the gifted program. This is given to any middle school student who has not previously taken the screener.	About 30-60 minutes	Fall
6-8	DIBELS	Local choice to meet state requirement	Literacy foundational skills	DIBELS assesses key literacy areas: phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle and phonics, accuracy and fluency, and comprehension. Only certain students in grades 6-8 are assessed.	About 10 minutes each administration	Fall, Winter, Spring
6 and 7	Local Alternative Assessments	State	US History I and US History II	Local assessments in grade 6 and 7 history. Administered to measure knowledge of grade level content standards in place of a previously administered SOL test.	Varies by student and by task	Administered throughout the school year
6-8	NoRedInk	SCPS	Diagnostic Writing	An online, adaptive educational platform used by teachers and students to improve grammar, writing, and analytical skills.	About 30 minutes	Fall and Spring
6-8	Standards of Learning Assessments (SOL)	State	Reading, math, science, history	To measure knowledge of grade level content standards for state and federal accountability. Grades 6 through 8 are assessed in both reading and math, grade 8 is assessed in science. and grade 7 is assessed in Civics and Economics.	About 2 hours per test	Spring.
6-8	Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS)	State	Reading	VALLS 4-8, funded through a state initiative, identifies relative strengths and weaknesses in specific literacy skill areas, including both code-based and language comprehension skills, and is designed to provide a better understanding of why students are experiencing difficulty, which can be used to guide instruction for improved reading outcomes. Only students who meet certain criteria are assessed.	Varies by student	Fall: 9/4-10/3/25 Mid-Year: 1/5- 1/30/26
6-8	Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP)	State	For reading, math, science, and history Reading, math, and science: based on the Essential Standards of Learning (ESOL) History: based on the Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOL)	Grades 6-8 take online assessments in reading and mathematics, and grade 8 students take the Grade 8 Science VAAP to measure knowledge and application of grade level content standards for state and federal accountability. There is a portfolio collection of evidence to demonstrate proficiency level in history.	Varies by student	Spring NOTE: VAAP is only for students with significant cognitive disabilities and the test administration is determined by the IEP team
6-8	WIDA ACCESS	State	English language proficiency	Federal and state mandated English language proficiency assessment given to students identified as English learners that monitors students' progress in acquiring English language proficiency in the domains of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening assessments. Students who are unable to participate may take the Alternate ACCESS test.	About 3 to 4 hours for all domains	Winter
6-8	WIDA Screener	State	English language proficiency	Administered to certain newly enrolled students to assess their level of English language acquisition in the domains of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening assessments. The data is used to determine eligibility for English Learner services.	About 30 minutes per domain, with 4 domains	Administered to newly enrolled students throughout the school year.
6-8	DESSA	SCPS	Social emotional learning skills	A standardized, strength-based behavior rating scale used by educators to measure students' social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies: measures key aspects such as self-awareness, relationship skills, personal responsibility, decision making, and self-management.	About 30 minutes	Fall, Spring

High School Assessments: 9-12

Grade	Test Name	Requirement Source	Content Tested	Purpose of Test	Time	Administration Schedule
9, 10, 11, 12	Advanced Placement Testing (AP)	SCPS (voluntary)	Measures course content knowledge and application	AP tests are generally taken by students who wish to use “passing” scores for college course placement and/or course credit. College acceptance and cut scores vary by school, so students are encouraged to contact schools of interest as early as possible.	About 3 to 4 hours per test	Spring
9 - 12	Avant STAMP	SCPS	World Language Proficiency	STAMP is used to measure real-world language proficiency and earn the Seal of Biliteracy on a diploma and/or for college credit. STAMP is administered to students in World Languuages III and above.	About 1.5 hours	Winter
9 - 12	Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)	SCPS	Aptitude assessment	CogAT measures a student's learned reasoning and problem-solving abilities; it is also used as one of several data points for gifted identification. Students in grade 6-8 may be assessed if they do not already have scores.	About 3 hours	Administered throughout the school year.
9 - 12	DESSA	SCPS	Social emotional learning skills	A standardized, strength-based behavior rating scale used by educators to measure students' social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies: measures key aspects such as self-awareness, relationship skills, personal responsibility, decision making, and self-management.	About 30 minutes	Fall, Spring
12	International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations	SCPS (voluntary)	Includes literature & language,sciences, mathematics, and the Arts	The primary purpose of International Baccalaureate (IB) exams is to objectively measure a student's mastery of advanced academic skills. They serve as the standardized, culminating assessment for the IB Diploma Programme, evaluating critical thinking, global awareness, and university-level readiness for higher education admissions.	About 5.5 hours for a higher level exam and 3 hours for a standard level exam	Spring
9 - 12	NoRedInk	SCPS	Diagnostic Writing	An online, adaptive educational platform used by teachers and students to improve grammar, writing, and analytical skills.	About 30 minutes	Fall and Spring
10 and 11	Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/NMSQT (PSAT/NMSQT)	SCPS	Reading and Math	The PSAT is an online test that provides low-stakes practice for the SAT, screens students for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship competition, and helps educators measure college readiness. This test is offered to all grade 10 students and any grade 11 student who is interested in taking it.	3 hours, but extensions are available for students with accommodations	Fall
11 and 12	Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)	SCPS (voluntary)	Reading and Math	The SAT is used to evaluate a high school student's readiness for college-level coursework and to provide universities with a standardized metric to compare applicants fairly across different schools and educational backgrounds. The SAT will be offered to grade 11 AND 12 students during the school week, as required by Virginia legislation.	3 hours, but extensions are available for students with accommodations	Fall
9	Standards of Learning Assessments (SOL)	State	Marth, rading, Science, History	To measure knowledge of course content standards for state and federal accountability and to earn verified credits to meet graduation requirements.	About 2 hours per test	Throughout the year, with the main testing window in the spring.
9 - 11	Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP)	State	Reading, Math, and Science	To measure knowledge and application of grade level content standards for state and federal accountability	Varies by student	Winter NOTE: VAAP is only for students with significant cognitive disabilities and the test administration is determined by the IEP team
9 - 12	WIDA ACCESS	State	English language proficiency	Federal and state mandated English language proficiency assessment given to students identified as English learners that monitors students' progress in acquiring English language proficiency in the domains of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening assessments. Students who are unable to participate may take the Alternate ACCESS test.	About 3 to 4 hours for all domains	Winter
9 - 12	WIDA Screener	State	English language proficiency	Administered to certain newly enrolled students to assess their level of English language acquisition in the domains of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening assessments. The data is used to determine eligibility for English Learner services.	About 30 minutes per domain, with 4 domains	Administered to newly enrolled students throughout the school year.