Spring 2024 SOL Testing Schedule

April 26: Reading 

May 20: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Chemistry, and Earth Science

May 21: Biology

May 22: Geometry

May 23: Social Studies and make-up SOLs

May 29-31: SOL Retakes

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Across Virginia this spring, high school students will be taking Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course (EOC) tests.  An FCPS Frequently Asked Questions webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43148) provides more information about SOL EOC tests in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). 

Students may be taking one or more Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course (EOC) assessments between April 22 and May 24. 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-plann…) SOL tests are the most common way students earn the verified credits they need. However, performance assessments (in certain social studies courses only) or substitute assessments approved by the Virginia Board of Education may be another option available for your student to verify certain credits.

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 Elly Donlen, McLean HS assessment coach, at @email. 

SOL Season - Personal Electronic Devices are Prohibited

As SOL season is approaching, we want to remind families that students may not have access to their electronic personal devices of any kind (phones, watches, etc.) in the SOL testing environment, except in the case of a documented medical need.  Please be aware that any personal devices carried into the testing environment will be subject to the school’s established procedures for addressing this as a test security concern.  

Standards of Learning (SOL) Testing Schedule

Students will receive an SOL schedule listing the time, date, and location of each of their SOL tests via school email in early May. *Some students may be scheduled to test on days not listed on this schedule based on special accommodations needed.  Additionally, seniors who need to pass SOLs for graduation will test during the week of April 25th.

Parent FAQ’s: SOL Testing

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

A: Students should bring two pencils, their FCPS Chromebook 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: Are students allowed to use calculators on the SOL test?

A: No, all students must use the online version of the DESMOS calculator for the math and science SOLs.

Q: When will my student get an SOL schedule?

A: Student testing letters will specify testing dates for students, and will be sent out at least two weeks prior to testing via a student's FCPS email.

Q: How long are the SOLs?

A: SOL tests are untimed, and a student has the school day to complete the exam. Some of the longer tests like the reading, math, or science SOLs may take around 90-120 minutes.

Q: Which classes have SOLs?

A: At the high school level, there are 7 End of Course classes that have SOLs during the spring testing window.

• English 11 and AP Language: Reading
• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Algebra 2
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Geosystems: Earth Science
• World History I (if PBA isn't completed)
• World History II (if PBA isn't completed)
• United States and Virginia History (US/VA) (if PBA isn't completed)

Please note that once a student has earned a verified credit and fulfilled the federal participation requirements in a subject, they will not have to take any further SOLs in that subject.  For example, if a student passes the Biology SOL during the 9th grade, they will earn a science verified credit and fulfill the federal participation requirement for science, which means that they will not need to take any other science SOL tests during the rest of high school, such as the SOL in Chemistry or Earth Science.

Q: How can my student prepare for an SOL test?

A: McLean teachers follow the state Standards of Learning in class to prepare students to succeed on SOL tests.  Students can also access review materials and practice test at the McLean Assessment Resources Page (students must be signed into their school Google account to access this link). Parents can also visit the VDOE webpage for resources such as updated standards, practice tests, and materials. 

Q: When are make-up tests?

A: We must pull students who missed an SOL test into make-up testing within the primary SOL attempt window. If you know that your child will be absent from testing in advance, contact your child’s SOL teacher and Elly Donlen (@email) for make-up options.

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

A: The passing score range is 400-600. Normally, if a student scores within a range of 350-399, they will be permitted to retake the SOL after remediating with a teacher with parent/guardian permission. 

Q: What SOLs does my student 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.