YCSD Test Scores

Standards of Learning
By emphasizing the SOLs throughout the Instructional process, the York County School Division provides its students with a sound instructional program and prepares them for state-mandated SOL testing that occurs in the spring. SOL tests are un-timed.

In middle school, students take the following SOL tests: English (Reading & Writing), History/Social Science, Math, Science, and Computer/Technology.

End-of-Course SOL tests are given to students enrolled in the following subjects taken for high school credit: English [Reading/Literature-Research & Writing (2 tests given in Grade 11 cover English 9-11 SOLs)], Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, World History to 1000 A.D. to the Present & World Geography, U.S. History, Earth Science, Biology, and Chemistry.
Students are required to earn a certain number of Verified Credits to be eligible for a Standard or Advanced Studies high school diploma. Verified Credits for graduation are based on the achievement by the student of a passing score on the required End-of-Course SOL tests

NCLB
NCLB requires annual testing of at least 95% of all students to measure progress in reading and math, and requires schools and school divisions to meet targets for achievement in four subgroups: * Students with disabilities

* Limited English Proficient (LEP) students
* Economically disadvantaged students (based on free/reduced lunch status)
* Major racial/ethnic groups (White, Black & Hispanic)

NCLB sets annual objectives (or targets) for student participation and performance on these reading and math tests. As we move closer to 2014 - the 100%-proficiency deadline - the AYP bar will be raised each school year. For a school or school division to "make AYP" it must meet or exceed all targets for participation in statewide testing, achievement in reading and math, and attendance (elementary and middle schools) or graduation (high schools). Missing a single target results in a school or school division not making AYP

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In addition to NCLB's AYP, the state's Standards of Learning (SOL) testing program continues to be an important part of school accountability. Schools and divisions will need to meet both state and federal accountability standards, and preliminary information indicates that York County's public schools have earned full state accreditation for two years in a row.

"While the division is well on its way to meeting the federal NCLB requirements, this is a new way of looking at test data and we anticipate that it will take time for the division to meet AYP in all areas," Steven R. Staples, Ed.D., division superintendent, said. "We have begun to focus our efforts on addressing specific challenges for specific subgroups, and although the standards do not have to be met for another 11 years, I think we are on track for meeting the national goals for student achievement by 2014.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
Most colleges or universities require that potential students take the SAT before being admitted. This is to allow them to assess the student's potential to do college-level work.

Below is a Web site with information to help students and their parents in understanding the purpose of the SAT and in how to prepare for the SAT.
College Board and the SAT

AP (Advanced Placement)
Advanced Placement Tests are administered to qualified students in English, History/Social Studies, Mathematics, Foreign Languages and Sciences to determine if they have completed the equivalent of the college's freshman course in that subject. Many colleges offer advanced placement, college credit or both to students who obtain satisfactory grades. All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam to receive course credit.