November 27, 2023

VGA Testing Parent Notification

Dear McNair Upper Families,

State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards and may also be used to measure growth in learning state standards. The format and timing of state assessments vary by grade level and content area, as noted in the table below. These include:

• Fall and winter Virginia Growth Assessments (VGA) standardized tests in reading and mathematics. More information is available on the VGA webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43932)
• Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science. For certain grade levels, the reading SOL tests includes an integrated reading/writing (IRW) component. More information is available on the SOL assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35021);
• Ongoing local alternative assessments (LAAs) including performance-based assessments (PBAs) completed as part of classroom instruction in science, writing, and social studies; More information is available on the LAA and PBA webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/45043).

* VGA tests are not available for students enrolled in a high school credit-bearing math course, such as Algebra 1.

The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/student-assessment/grade-level-tests) provides information by grade level about the general assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment type in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). School staff will contact you with the specific dates your child is scheduled to take the standardized VGA and SOL assessments.

If you have questions about this state assessment, please contact your child’s teacher or me, McNair Upper’s school test coordinator at cmcredle@fcps.edu.

Take Care,

Mr. Cliff Credle

Assistant Principal/School Test Coordinator

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or McNairUpperElem.Attendance@fcps.edu |  Web | Twitter