How can families support students' learning at home?
FCPS digital resources are available in multiple content areas to support families and students with learning at home.
FCPS uses a variety of academic screening, growth, and diagnostic tests to identify students' academic strengths and needs and to monitor growth in their learning across the school year. These assessments fulfill state requirements for screening and growth measures in addition to providing data to develop student reading plans or student intervention plans, as needed. Additional diagnostic tests are available as a resource for teachers when more information is needed to determine specific areas for support.
View the screening, growth, and diagnostic tests used at the each grade range level in the sections below. The Grade Level Tests webpage also gives information about the timing for each assessment and how results are reported.
Primary grade levels PreK-2 use different assessments to meet state and division requirements. Students in grades PreK-2 participate in literacy screeners required by the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA). Mathematics screeners fulfill a Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) requirement for grades PreK-K and fulfill a FCPS Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirement for grades 1-2.
Sometimes teachers need more information to understand a student's strengths and needs. In these cases, a diagnostic test is used to plan supports. Further information on additional diagnostic assessments is shared following testing.
NOTIFICATION OF TESTING
Elementary Academic Screening Tests, Grades PreK-2
Dear Parents and Guardians:
The Virginia government requires assessments for the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP)* in all schools. These assessments help state officials understand literacy and school readiness needs across Virginia. Additionally, the mathematics screener in grades 1-2 fulfills a Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirement. Test results also help teachers, school leaders, and parents know how to support each student’s learning and development. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) provides more information on these tests.
Grade | Literacy Test | Mathematics Test |
PreK-K | Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) | Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) |
1-2 | VALLSS | iReady Math |
* In addition to the EMAS, VKRP also requires PreK-K teachers to observe a student’s self-regulation and social skills using the Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS).
Teachers assess all PreK-2 students with the VALLSS in fall, winter, and spring. Grade PreK-K EMAS tests are given in fall and spring only. In grades 1-2, all students take the iReady Math test in fall and spring, but only students whose fall score is below benchmark will retest in winter. Tests are delivered within the classroom instructional block. Teachers set specific testing dates for each class. General timing for required screening is available on the Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests).
Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading plan or math intervention plan. Some students may need additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening, growth, or diagnostic tests, please contact your student’s teacher or the school's test coordinator.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ACADEMIC GROWTH REPORT - FAMILY COVER LETTER
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Your student recently participated in academic growth assessments. The state legislature requires school divisions to measure student growth and progress within the school year in reading and mathematics in grades 3-8. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) monitors student growth in elementary schools using the iReady math test for grades 1-6 and the iReady reading test for grades 3-6 (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests). iReady assessments are aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning and measure grade level skills. Students take the iReady test 2-3 times during the school year to allow teachers to see their skill growth.
Enclosed with this cover letter is an iReady individual growth report. This report displays all iReady outcomes for your student from this school year, as illustrated in the image below. For each window, your student’s report provides a (1) blue bar and (2) placement level that tell how your student performed overall in relation to (3) on-grade level expectations, displayed as green shading. Additionally, the (4) national norm percentile indicates how your student’s performance compares to peers nationally. Finally, the (5) domain table shows how your student did in specific skill areas. Students who score below the FCPS 40th percentile benchmark or show domain areas of concern may receive additional diagnostic assessments and targeted interventions, as needed.
When reviewing your student’s iReady academic growth report, consider the following questions:
More information on grade level expectations and a description of test domains are available on the iReady Test Information webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/us). If you have questions about strengths and needs in reading or mathematics, please contact your student’s teacher. If your student receives English for language development (ELD) services, keep in mind that iReady tests are in English. Contact your student's ESOL teacher for information about their English language development.
When a student takes a screening/growth assessment during a testing window, families receive a custom score reports within 1 month of the close of the window. For testing PreK students, teachers provide score reports to famlies directly, and reports also post in SIS ParentVUE for families with ParentVUE accounts.
Across the school year, PreK students receive a score report with results for any VALLSS and EMAS tests they took each window. (This report also includes CBRS results that are part of the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program.)
More information about VALLSS score reports is available on the VALLSS Information webpage.
More information about iReady score reports is available on the iReady Test Information webpage.
More information about EMAS score reports is available on the VKRP Test Information webpage.
Upper elementary grade levels 3-6 use different assessments to meet state requirements. Reading screeners and additional diagnostics fulfill Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) requirements. Mathematics screeners fulfill FCPS Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirements. Screening tests at these grades also serve as growth assessments to fulfill Virginia Assessment Program (VAP) requirements.
Sometimes teachers need more information to understand a student's strengths and needs. In these cases, a diagnostic test like the iReady PRF is used to plan supports. Further information on additional diagnostic assessments is shared following testing.
NOTIFICATION OF TESTING
Elementary Academic Screening and Growth Tests, Grades 3-6
Dear Parents and Guardians:
The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) require schools to provide reading and mathematics screening tests for all students in grades 3-6. These assessments also fulfill a requirement for reading and mathematics growth assessments under the Virginia Assessment Program (VAP). Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) provides more information on these tests.
Elementary teachers assess all grade 3-6 students with iReady Math and iReady Reading in fall, winter, and spring. Tests are delivered within the classroom instructional block. Teachers set specific testing dates for each class. General timing for required screening and growth tests is available on the Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests).
Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading plan or math intervention plan. Some students may require additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening, growth, or diagnostic tests, please contact your student’s teacher or the school's test coordinator.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ACADEMIC GROWTH REPORT - FAMILY COVER LETTER
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Your student recently participated in academic growth assessments. The state legislature requires school divisions to measure student growth and progress within the school year in reading and mathematics in grades 3-8. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) monitors student growth in elementary schools using the iReady math test for grades 1-6 and the iReady reading test for grades 3-6 (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests). iReady assessments are aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning and measure grade level skills. Students take the iReady test 2-3 times during the school year to allow teachers to see their skill growth.
Enclosed with this cover letter is an iReady individual growth report. This report displays all iReady outcomes for your student from this school year, as illustrated in the image below. For each window, your student’s report provides a (1) blue bar and (2) placement level that tell how your student performed overall in relation to (3) on-grade level expectations, displayed as green shading. Additionally, the (4) national norm percentile indicates how your student’s performance compares to peers nationally. Finally, the (5) domain table shows how your student did in specific skill areas. Students who score below the FCPS 40th percentile benchmark or show domain areas of concern may receive additional diagnostic assessments and targeted interventions, as needed.
When reviewing your student’s iReady academic growth report, consider the following questions:
More information on grade level expectations and a description of test domains are available on the iReady Test Information webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/us). If you have questions about strengths and needs in reading or mathematics, please contact your student’s teacher. If your student receives English for language development (ELD) services, keep in mind that iReady tests are in English. Contact your student's ESOL teacher for information about their English language development.
When a student takes a screening/growth assessment during a testing window, families receive a custom score reports within 1 month of the close of the window.
Family reports for winter and spring contain student outcomes from all their tests during the school year. For example, in the winter, reports display both fall and winter results; in the spring, reports display results from fall, winter, and spring. Viewing results from multiple windows side by side allows families to better see how their student's performance is changing across the school year.
More information about iReady score reports is available on the iReady Test Information webpage.
More information about VALLSS score reports is available on the VALLSS Information webpage.
Middle schools use different assessments to meet state requirements for students in grades 6-8. Reading and mathematics growth assessments fulfill Virginia Assessment Program (VAP) requirements. These assessments also serve as screeners to fulfill Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and FCPS Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirements. Additional reading diagnostic tests also help to fulfill Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) requirements.
Sometimes teachers need more information to understand a student's strengths and needs. In these cases, a diagnostic test like the iReady PRF is used to plan supports. Further information on additional diagnostic assessments is shared following testing.
NOTIFICATION OF TESTING
Middle School Academic Screening and Growth Tests
Dear Parents and Guardians:
The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) require schools to provide reading and mathematics screening tests for all students in grades 6-8. These assessments also fulfill a requirement for reading and mathematics growth assessments under the Virginia Assessment Program (VAP). Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) provides more information on these tests.
Middle school teachers assess all grade 6-8 students in the fall with iReady Reading and MAP Growth Math. Tests are delivered within the classroom instructional block. Teachers set specific testing dates for each class. General timing for required screening and growth is available on the Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests).
Winter and spring retests are required for students scheduled for spring SOL 6-8 Math and Reading tests. Retests provide additional growth data to guide instruction. Students scheduled for SOL Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2 tests will retest with MAP Growth Math if they score below benchmark or if additional growth data is needed for the student.
Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading plan or math intervention plan. Some students may require additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening, growth, or diagnostic tests, please contact your student’s teacher or the school's test coordinator.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC GROWTH REPORT - FAMILY COVER LETTER
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Your student recently participated in academic growth assessments. The state legislature requires school divisions to measure student growth and progress within the school year in reading and mathematics in grades 3-8. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) monitors student growth in middle school grades 6-8 using the iReady reading test and the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) mathematics test (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests). iReady and MAP assessments are aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning and measure grade level skills. Students take these tests 3 times during the school year to allow teachers to see their skill growth.
Enclosed with this cover letter is your student’s iReady reading individual growth report. You will also receive a separate student progress report for your student’s MAP mathematics test results along with a family guide for understanding the MAP report.
The enclosed growth report displays all iReady outcomes for your student from this school year, as illustrated in the image below. For each window, your student’s report provides a (1) blue bar and (2) placement level that tell how your student performed overall in relation to (3) on-grade level expectations, displayed as green shading. Additionally, the (4) national norm percentile indicates how your student’s performance compares to peers nationally. Finally, the (5) domain table shows how your student did in specific skill areas. Students who score below the FCPS 40th percentile benchmark or show domain areas of concern may receive additional diagnostic assessments and targeted interventions, as needed.
When reviewing your student’s iReady and MAP academic growth reports, consider the following questions:
More information on grade level expectations and a description of test skills are available on the iReady Test Information webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35282) and the MAP Test Information webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/50123). If you have questions about strengths and needs in reading or mathematics, please contact your student’s teacher. If your student receives English for language development (ELD) services, keep in mind that iReady and MAP tests are in English. Contact your student's ESOL teacher for information about their English language development.
When a student takes a screening/growth assessment during a testing window, families receive a custom score reports within 1 month of the close of the window.
Middle school students taking screening/growth assessments in fall receive:
Family reports for winter and spring contain student outcomes from all their tests during the school year. For example, in the winter, reports display both fall and winter results; in the spring, reports display results from fall, winter, and spring. Viewing results from multiple windows side by side allows families to better see how their student's performance is changing across the school year. Middle school students taking screening/growth assessments in winter and spring receive:
More information about iReady score reports is available on the iReady Test Information webpage.
More information about MAP score reports is available on the MAP Test Information webpage.
High schools use reading and mathematics screening and growth assessments to fulfill Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and FCPS Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requirements. These assessments are used in selected high school courses. All students in the course test in fall. Students whose fall score is below benchmark will retest in the winter and spring. Teachers may also decide retesting is needed to provide updated information on strengths and areas of growth.
Sometimes teachers need more information to understand a student's strengths and needs. In these cases, a diagnostic test is used to plan supports. Further information on additional diagnostic assessments is shared following testing.
NOTIFICATION OF TESTING
High School Academic Screening and Growth Tests
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) uses the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth assessments to determine students’ strengths and needs in mathematics and reading. Students in select high school math and English courses will participate in these tests. Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) provides more information on these tests.
English and math teachers use MAP Growth assessments in the fall with all students in the select courses. Some students may retest in winter and spring to provide additional growth data. Tests are delivered within the classroom instructional block. Teachers set specific testing dates for each class. General timing for required screening and growth is available on the Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests).
Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading or math intervention plan. If you have questions about academic screening or growth tests, please contact your student’s English or mathematics teacher or the school's test coordinator.
When a student takes a screening/growth assessment during a testing window, families receive a custom score reports within 1 month of the close of the window.
High school students taking MAP tests receive a family guide along with a MAP growth report for reading and/or mathematics. Family reports contain student outcomes from all their tests during the school year. For example:
Viewing results from multiple windows side by side allows families to better see how their student's performance is changing across the school year.
More information about MAP score reports is available on the MAP Test Information webpage.
Based on results from academic screening assessments, some students may require additional testing to further identify specific learning areas that need support. The additional diagnostic assessment score report letter template is a resource for teachers to communicate to parents and guardians which additional assessments were given and notes describing important information learned from these tests.
This template is meant to be used across grades K-12 when student's screening results in reading or mathematics prompt teachers to further assess the student's strengths and areas of need. The academic screeners that may initiate additional testing are:
Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) in grades K-3
Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) in grade K
iReady tests in grades 1-8
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests in grades 6-12
ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC SCORE REPORT LETTER Date: ___________________
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
Your student recently took an academic screening assessment for reading and/or mathematics, such as Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS), Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP), iReady, and/or Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). You received a score report for these screening tests.
Based on your student's scores, school staff needed more information about possible areas for support. Your student took diagnostic assessment(s) to help teachers understand their learning needs. You can learn more about screening and diagnostic tests in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) at: https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests. Information about your student’s recent diagnostic test(s) is below.
School staff review all available data to determine if your student needs interventions. Teachers will share any intervention or support plans for your student. You can find information about intervention and support decisions at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/multi-tiered-systems-supportresponsive-instruction.
The additional assessments administered to your student are checked in the list below.
___ CORE Phonics Survey
___ Phonological Awareness Skills Screener (PASS)
___ iReady Passage Reading Fluency (PRF)
___ Addition and Subtraction
___ Counting
___ Multiplication and Division
___ Place Value
___ Fractions
___ Other: ________________
Below you will find notes from your student’s teacher with any important points learned from their diagnostic test(s) checked above.
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FCPS digital resources are available in multiple content areas to support families and students with learning at home.
Learn more about assessments in FCPS