Spring SOL Testing (April-May 2024)

Questions? Please Contact:

Jennifer Frate, Assessment Coach

[email protected]

Across Virginia this spring, high school students will be taking Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course (EOC) tests.  In FCPS, high school non-writing SOL tests (first attempts) will be scheduled between April 22 and May 24, 2024. All SOL tests are taken in-person at school. SOL tests are not available for remote delivery from home. 

SOL Test Dates at Madison HS

• Seniors still in need of a verified credit for graduation: April 30
• Reading SOL (English 11/AP Language): May 1 & 2
• Biology SOL: May 13 through 16
• Chemistry, Geosystems, & History SOLs: May 17
• Geometry: May 21
• Algebra 1 & 2: May 22

Notice that some of the tests have date ranges—specific dates and locations of testing will be sent to students through their FCPS email accounts prior to testing. Students are responsible for checking their @fcpsschools.net email accounts to determine their exact test dates and locations.

Some SOL assessments are required under federal law, and some may be needed to verify credit for high school graduation. Students who are enrolled in a high school SOL course are only required to take the SOL test if they need the assessment to fulfill:

• Federal participation requirements (one SOL test for mathematics, reading (English 11/AP Lang), and biology taken during grades 9-12).
• Content area verified credit requirements for graduation, based on the student’s ninth grade entry year and the diploma type the student is pursuing. For additional information regarding graduation requirements see 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. SOL tests are designed to measure what students have learned of the content and skills detailed in theVirginia Standards of Learning. 

The table below shows the SOL ECO non-writing tests available to fulfill federal participation and/or verified credit requirements.

* FCPS has adopted state flexibility allowing the division to verify credit based on classroom performance assessment in place of the SOL test for all students currently taking World History 1, World History 2, and Virginia and U.S. History courses. 

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, Jennifer Frate, @email.

FAQ’s: SOL Testing

Q: What should my child bring to school specifically for testing?

A: Students should bring a pencil, their FCPSOn Computer, and charger to testing. Students should not bring personal computers, as they cannot be used for SOL testing.  They are permitted a water bottle, sweater, or jacket as well. 

Q: What time of day and date do SOLs begin?

A: Students will be notified via email about their specific test dates and times at least two weeks prior to testing. All test sessions will begin at 8:10.

Q: How long are the SOLs?

A: SOL tests are untimed, but must be completed in one school day. Most tests take between 90-120 minutes.

Q: Which classes have SOLs?

A: At the high school level, there are 10 End of Course classes that have SOLs.

• English 11 and AP LANG: Writing and Reading
• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Algebra 2
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Geosystems: Earth Science
• World History I*
• World History II*
• United States and Virginia History (US/VA)*

* FCPS has adopted state flexibility allowing the division to verify credit based on classroom performance assessment in place of the SOL test for all students currently taking World History 1, World History 2, and Virginia and U.S. History courses. 

Q: What content is covered on the SOL exam?

A: Visit the VDOE for resources like updated standards, practice tests, and materials. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/index.shtml

Q: When are make-up tests?

A: Make-up tests will be scheduled throughout the test window. If you know that your child will be absent from testing in advance, contact your child’s counselor and Jennifer Frate at [email protected] for make-up options.

Q: What happens if my child does not pass an SOL?

A: The passing score range is 400-600. If a student scores within a range of 350-399, he or she will be permitted to retake the SOL after remediating with a teacher. 

Q: What SOLs does my child need, depending on his or her diploma type and ninth grade entry date?

A: You can follow this link to the requirements for the standard and advanced studies diplomas regarding verified credits for students who enter the ninth grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and beyond.

SOL Testing FAQs: