Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests in High Schools
SOL assessments are used in grades 9-12 for federal and state accountability
Under Virginia law, students in grades 9-12 are expected to take part in the Virginia Assessment Program to fulfill specific requirements. Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments are the main part of the Virginia Assessment Program for high school students. SOL tests are used to fulfill:
- Federal requirements for cohort testing in reading, mathematics, and science
- Graduation requirements for verified credit to earn a standard or advanced studies diploma
Schools must offer SOL tests to all students who need to fulfill federal or graduation requirements unless the student meets specific state criteria, such as students with disabilities eligible to participate in the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP). For students in high school, the SOL tests assigned each year are based on the student's enrolled courses and verified credit needs.
Notification of Testing
Divisions have the responsibility to notify families about required state assessments for each student. The notification letters outlines state guidelines for which students will take SOL tests each year.
The FCPS annual notification of testing for high school SOL assessments can be accessed below with printable PDFs, including translations.
FULL TEXT: SOL High School Testing Notification Letter
NOTIFICATION OF TESTING
SOL Non-Writing Assessments, End-of-Course
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Your student will be taking one or more Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course (EOC) assessments between __________________ and __________________. All SOL assessments are taken in-person at school. School staff will schedule and communicate specific testing dates for your student based on their individual assessment needs. 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 (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.
| Content Area | Mathematics | Science | English | Social Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Algebra 1 Algebra 2 Geometry | Biology Chemistry Earth Science | Reading | Virginia and U.S. History World History 1 World History 2 |
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). 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. If you have questions about SOL testing, please contact your student’s school counselor or the assessment coach/school test coordinator at your student’s school.
FULL TEXT: SOL Writing Testing Notification Letter
NOTIFICATION OF TESTING
SOL Writing Assessments, End-of Course
Dear Parents or Guardians:
Your student will be taking the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course Writing Test between __________________ and __________________. Your student is required to earn verified credit in Writing to graduate with a standard or advanced studies diploma. The test has two components: multiple choice response and a short paper response. In order to obtain a score, your student must complete both components.
It is important that your student attend school on these days. If possible, please avoid scheduling trips or appointments that would take your student out of school during this time period. It is also important that your student have a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast before testing. 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.
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 the assessment coach/school test coordinator at your student’s school.
FULL TEXT: SOL Grade 9-12 Retest Notification Letter
The following provides content from the division's retake notice for students who are eligible to reattempt a SOL test for high school verified credit.
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The Virginia Department of Education allows students who did not previously pass certain Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to participate in optional re-test windows during the school year.
Your child is eligible to participate in the _______________________________________
SOL test(s). The test(s) will be administered at your child’s school from _________________ to ____________________.
It is important that your child be prepared to take the test(s) on the above date(s). Students should get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast, and come to school ready to do their best.
If you have any questions, please contact __________________________________ at the school
Sincerely,
PRINTABLE PDF TRANSLATIONS: SOL High School Testing Notification Letter
PRINTABLE PDF TRANSLATIONS: SOL Writing Testing Notification Letter
PRINTABLE PDF TRANSLATIONS: SOL Grade 9-12 Retest Notification Letter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): High School SOL Tests
High school students have opportunities to take a variety of assessments to fulfill state testing and graduation requirements. Click on the frequently asked questions below to find answers about SOL tests.
Why is my student identified for a Standards of Learning (SOL) test?
Students who are currently enrolled in SOL-associated courses may take the SOL end-of-course (EOC) test if they have not yet met federal participation requirements or if they need verified credit for graduation.
Students who have previously earned standard credit for a course but have not yet earned a qualifying test score also have the opportunity to take the SOL EOC test.
Students who have already met their testing requirements both for graduation and federal participation are not allowed to test.
What tests can be used for verified credit?
To earn verified credit for a standard or advanced studies diploma, students need two components: standard credit for the course and a qualifying test result.
Virginia law permits students to earn verified credit based on SOL tests, state-approved substitute tests, or state-developed performance assessments. SOL tests are the most common way Virginia students verify credit for graduation.
What SOL score does my student need to receive a verified credit?
A score of 400-600 is "passing" on a SOL test and qualifies a student for verified credit.
Students who score between 350-399 on a SOL test automatically have an opportunity for an expedited retake during the same testing window. Expedited retakes are optional.
In some cases, a student who scores below 400 may be eligible to earn a Locally Awarded Verified Credit (LAVC). To qualify for LAVC, students must meet specific criteria, and these decisions are handled on an individual basis.
How are SOL tests delivered?
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requires that all SOL tests be taken in-person at an approved FCPS site under secure testing conditions.
What if I do not want my student to take the SOL test?
Because SOL tests are the most common way to verify credit for graduation, any decision to refuse participation in an available SOL test could affect on-time graduation for your student. Please contact your student’s school counselor to discuss these potential impacts.
With this understanding, parents and guardians have a right to refuse test participation for their students under federal law. More information about the implications of refusing testing can be found on the Right to Refuse Assessments webpage.
What if my student plans to use a substitute test to verify credit?
The Virginia Board of Education has approved certain substitute tests (such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and WorkKeys) that can be used for verified credit.
If the student earns a qualifying test score on the substitute exam, they no longer need to take a SOL test for verified credit. Some students already have a qualifying substitute test score for a course. Other students may plan to take a substitute test this year.
However, substitute tests do not fulfill federal participation requirements. Students will still be offered a SOL test when they enroll in a SOL-associated English, Biology, or Mathematics course.