SOL Parent Notification
Understand your child's SOL tests
Under Virginia law, students in grades 3-12 are expected to take part in the Virginia Assessment Program. For most students, this means annual Standards of Learning (SOL) testing. The notification letters outlines state guidelines for which students will take SOL tests each year.
Elementary and Middle School Students (Grades 3-8)
High School Students (Grades 9-12)
Notification for End-of-Course (EOC) Non-Writing Assessments
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.
Retake Notification for EOC Non-Writing Assessments
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,
Notification for EOC Writing Assessments
The following provides content from the division's high school end-of-course non-writing SOL 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.
