Kindergarten Assessments

In Kindergarten, assessments are focused on measuring each student's aptitude for basic literacy and numeracy development. Required kindergarten assessments include testing for areas of reading, math, writing, and more.

 

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

The CogAT is to be completed by all Grade 2 students, as well as students in Grades 3-6 who are new to Fairfax County Public Schools. It is also provided to any students in Grades 3-6 who are retaking the test at a parent’s request (this is a one time option retake for students between Grades 3-8). Students are able to retake either the NNAT2 or CogAT.

 

The purpose of the CogAT is to provide information about students’ developed abilities in verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning. The types of tasks included in the test are based on content that children are likely to have experienced in school. However, the way questions are asked and specific test content are not necessarily what children have previously experienced. Children are not expected to know the answers to all questions and will be given opportunities to practice sample items before taking the test. The CogAT is an abilities test, so children are not expected to study or prepare for the test the way they would for an achievement test.

 

Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test-Second Edition (NNAT2)

NNAT2 is given to all Grade 1 students, as well as students in Grades 2-6  who are new to Fairfax County Public Schools. It is also provided to any students in Grades 2 – 6 who are retaking at a parent’s request (this is a one time option retake for students between Grades 3-8. Students are able to retake either the NNAT2 or CogAT. The NNAT2 will also be given to any student without an abilities assessment on file, especially if the CogAT has been deferred for that particular student.

 

The NNAT2 is a nonverbal measure of general intellectual ability. The test evaluates a student’s reasoning and problem-solving skills through the identification of patterns involving geometric shapes and pictorial designs. This test is designed to assess ability without requiring the student to read, write, or speak. Students are not expected to know the answers to all questions and will be given opportunities to practice sample items before taking the test. The NNAT2 is an abilities test, so children are not expected to study or prepare for the test the way they would for an achievement test.

 

Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT)

All students enrolled in the Advanced Mathematics Grade 6 course will take the IAAT.

These students are eligible for screening for placement in Algebra I Honors in Grade 7. To qualify for this placement, students must first demonstrate readiness for formal abstract thinking as evidenced by a score at the 91st percentile or above on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT).

 

In addition to readiness for abstract thinking, students must show mastery of middle school mathematics as evidenced by a score of 500 or above on the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) Grade 7 mathematics test at the end of Grade 6. Over the summer, middle schools will use the data from these two assessments (IAAT and SOL) to place your student in the appropriate course. Algebra 1 Honors is a rigorous course that carries high school credit and is calculated into the student's grade point average. A desire to take Algebra 1 Honors in Grade 7 implies a desire to take five additional years of mathematics through high school, including college-level courses. An advanced level alternative to Algebra 1 Honors in Grade 7 is Mathematics 7 Honors. It is not necessary for students to take the IAAT in order to enroll in Mathematics 7 Honors.

 

Universal Screener – iReady

 All Stratford Landing students are given the iReady assessment.

 

The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board adopted a universal screener assessment for use with all elementary school students in Kindergarten through Grade 6. The universal screener assessment includes a reading test and a mathematics test. Students in Kindergarten will receive screening for reading only. Students in Grades 1-6 will receive screening for both mathematics and reading. The purpose of this assessment is to identify students who may have gaps in foundational literacy and mathematics skills. Based on universal screener results, some students may require an additional assessment to further diagnose the specific learning areas that may need support. The universal screener reading test, together with any necessary follow-up diagnostic assessments, also fulfills state testing expectations for primary students. This universal screener and any necessary follow-up assessments will be given at the beginning of the school year. Depending on grade level and previous screener performance, students may receive screening again in the winter and/or in the spring. Additional information, including a short video, about the universal screener in FCPS is available here.

 

World-class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA ACCESS for ELLs 2.0)

ACCESS for ELLs® 2.0 is administered annually to all Kindergarten English learners (ELs) and all students in Grades 1-12 with an English language proficiency (ELP) level of 1-5.

 

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 aligned with the WIDA English language development standards and assesses the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

 

This 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.

 

Learn more about student tests and assessments in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Students are expected to participate in all assessments. Families have rights to refuse testing.

If you have any questions regarding a specific assessment, please contact our Assistant Principal and School Testing Coordinator, Ms. LaChelle Williams.

SOL Assessments

Standards of Learning (SOL) tests are assessments established by the state of Virginia to measure each student's proficiency in various areas of academics. These achievement tests are administered at the end of 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades to measure their mastery of academic curriculum. The SOLs test students in the areas of reading, writing, math, history and science. Please plan around the dates that will be scheduled so that your child is available during the testing timeframe.

Grade 3 – Math and Reading

Grade 4 – Reading, VA History, and Math,

Grade 5 – Science, Math, and Reading,

Grade 6 – Reading and Math