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Fairfax County Public Schools students will soon take spring assessments determined by their grade levels and courses. The testing includes standardized benchmarks, progress assessments and Virginia Standards of Learning exams.

Individual schools set their own testing dates and notify students and families through newsletters and emails. Families should review those messages carefully for specific schedules.

SOL exams provide a consistent statewide measure of students’ progress toward grade-level standards, although no single test offers a complete picture of a child’s learning. Results are considered alongside classroom assessments, projects and final exams.

Student participation helps schools identify academic strengths and areas requiring additional support. Test results may inform instructional planning, course placement, eligibility for advanced or support programs and, at certain grade levels, graduation requirements.

When students do not participate, school data may offer an incomplete view of overall progress. That can also affect state reporting and the information available to the public about a school.

Families can help students prepare by encouraging a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast, particularly on testing days. Students should attend school on their scheduled dates, and families should alert the school as soon as possible about conflicts that could cause an absence.

Electronic devices are generally prohibited in testing rooms, except under special circumstances such as monitoring a health condition. Families should review the FCPS cellphone policy and the consequences of possessing an electronic device during an assessment.

Anyone with questions or concerns about testing may contact their child’s teacher or school administrator. Spring assessments do not end the academic year, and instruction will continue through the final day of school.