Students at Kent Gardens ES are tested in many areas throughout the year as a part of the teaching and learning cycle. Tests provide information about a child's development of knowledge and help teachers better plan for next steps in instruction.

The FCPS Grade Level Tests webpage (see link below) offers testing information for each grade level including: 

• Purpose of test,
• Time of year when test is typically scheduled, and 
• Estimated amount of time student will need to take test.

iReady (Universal Screener) & DSA: Fall 2024

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) adopted iReady assessments as an academic universal screener for all elementary school students in grades 1-6. In addition to the iReady assessment, all elementary school students in grades 1-6 complete the Developmental Spelling Analysis (DSA).   iReady Universal Screener Parent Notification

Virginia Language and Literacy Screening Systems (VALLSS): Fall, Winter, Spring

To identify gaps in foundational literacy skills and measure skill  progress

Required screening for all grade K-2 students to identify students who may have gaps in foundational literacy skills. Satisfies VDOE fall Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Early Intervention Reading Initiative (EIRI) testing requirements for grades K-2. 

VKRP (Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program): Fall 2024

EMAS (Elementary Math Assessment Scale)  

Required mathematics screening to fulfill state VKRP requirements. Testing is required for all kindergarten students. 

CBRS (Child Behavior Rating Scale)

Required screening in self-regulation or social skills to fulfill state VKRP requirements. Testing is required for all kindergarten students. 

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener: Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) commits to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning (SEL). The School Board has approved a screener to review students’ skills and experiences in these areas. FCPS staff will use the screener to identify strengths and needs for students in grades K-12. The screener provides information regarding students’ experiences and how staff can support their needs.

Students in grades K-2 will be screened in the fall and spring. In these grade levels, teachers will complete a survey on their observations of students' skills and experiences. Students in grades 3-12 will be screened in the fall and spring. In these grade levels, students will complete survey  independently.

A letter with more information is linked here: notification letter.   Please print out, complete and return this form ONLY if you choose to opt out your child.  

SOLs for 3^rd-6^th Grade Students: May 2025

State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards. The format for state assessments vary by grade level and content area. These include:

• Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science; More information can be found on the SOL assessments webpage;
• Local alternative assessments (LAAs) including performance-based assessments (PBAs) completed as part of classroom instruction throughout the school year for science, writing, and social studies; More information can be found on the LAA and PBA webpage.
• Calendar dates are detailed below. Please plan around these scheduled dates so that your child is available during testing time:

3^rd Grade 

• Reading - May 7th, 2025
• Math - May 14, 2025

4^th Grade

• Reading - May 6th, 2025
• Math - May 13th, 2025

5^th Grade

• Integrated Reading and Writing - March 27, 2025
• Reading - May 6th, 2025
• Math - May 13th, 2025
• Science - May 20th, 2025

6^th Grade

• Reading- May 7th, 2025
• Math - May 14th, 2025