Testing
SOL, WIDA, AP & Final Exams
Page last updated May 2023
SOL Testing
Herndon High School students will be taking one or more Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course (EOC) assessments between May 11, 2023, and June 1, 2023, at Herndon High School. Students will receive their testing schedule and other important information via school E-Mail during the week of May 1, 2023. All SOL assessments are taken in-person at school. If you become aware of an unavoidable conflict that could result in your student missing a testing day, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible.
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. 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.
| Content Area | Test |
|---|---|
| Mathematics |
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Science |
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| English |
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| Social Studies |
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A SOL High School Assessment Frequently Asked Questions webpage provides more information about SOL EOC tests in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). 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 offers important information as you consider this decision.
If you would like to read this message in a preferred language, please view this website.
In most cases, SOL assessment results are available in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE within about three months. If you have questions about SOL testing, please contact your student’s school counselor or our Assessment Coach, Dr. Karl Gussow.
Absent Students
Students who are absent from their SOL due to illness or family emergency will be rescheduled to test as soon as time and space permits. Students should return to Herndon prepared to take their missed SOL tests.
Expedited Retake Eligibility
Senior (Term Graduates) – Seniors are automatically eligible for an expedited retake regardless of non-passing score and may have a 3rd attempt if passing the test is necessary for graduation or for a particular diploma. Students must attend remediation sessions with their teacher before completing a third attempt. Third attempts must be approved by the Office of Assessment and Reporting.
Underclass Students – Underclass students may be eligible for an expedited retake with a score of 350 and above. Students must attend remediation sessions with their teacher before completing an expedited retake.
Test Completion
Students may have as much time as they need to complete a SOL test as long as they are actively working on the test. All tests must be completed within the school day.
Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy
Students are not permitted to have cell phones or electronic devices in their possession during testing and should make arrangements to secure them appropriately before testing. Students who are found with an electronic device, even if turned off, during testing or whose device makes noise during testing will not be permitted to finish testing and will not receive a score.
SOL Reminders for Students
- Students should get a good night's sleep and eat breakfast/lunch before the test.
- Students should not bring backpacks or electronic devices (including cell phones) into the testing room.
- Students should bring pencils and a picture ID to the test. Calculators will be provided.
WIDA Testing
What is WIDA Testing?
Current federal legislation requires that all English learners (ELs) participate annually in an English language proficiency assessment. In the state of Virginia, all divisions use the WIDA Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners®2.0 (ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0) to monitor students' progress in acquiring academic English. ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0 is administered annually to all kindergarten ELs and all students in grades 1-12 with an English language proficiency (ELP) level of 1-5.
ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0 is aligned with the WIDA English language development standards and assesses the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The assessment will:
- Determine students’ English language proficiency level and eligibility for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services and testing accommodations.
- Help students and families understand students’ current level of ELP along the developmental continuum.
- Provide teachers with information they can use to plan for and support student learning.
- Assist in determining whether ELs have attained the language proficiency needed to participate meaningfully in content area classrooms without ESOL support.
Students participate annually in the ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0, even if ESOL services are declined, until they reach the criteria for ELP level 6 and are designated English proficient.
This year, the ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0, the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs®, or the ELP Checklists will be given in our school from Monday, February 6, 2023, to Thursday, March 2, 2023. Students will receive their testing schedule via E-Mail during the week of January 23, 2023. It will be helpful if you can avoid appointments which may take your child out of school during this time. Also, it will help your child perform his or her best if he or she has had a good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast, and comes to school with a positive attitude. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Dr. Karl Gussow, our Assessment Coach.
Additional information can be found on the FCPS ELP Assessment Parent Notification - WIDA and WIDA Screener page.
PSAT
PSAT Date
Tenth and eleventh graders will be completing the PSAT/NMSQT on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Herndon High School. They will receive additional information through their school email (@fcpsschools.net) in early October. An online student guide is available to review before the exam date. Test scores will be available in early December 2022.
SAT School Day
The SAT School Day will be held at Herndon High School on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 for 12th graders. Students were required to register for the exam by September 7, 2022. Registered students will receive additional information through their school email (@fcpsschools.net) in early October. An online student guide is available to review before the exam date. Test scores will be available in early November 2022.
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
AP Exam Questions
Shannon Kamenick Counselor/AP Testing Coordinator 703-810-2424