Testing and Assessment
Reference: School Board Policy 9.10.1

Standards of Learning
By emphasizing the Virginia Standards of Learning throughout the instructional process, YCSD 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 elementary and middle schools, students take the following SOL tests: English (Reading & Writing), History/Social Science, Math and Science. End-of-Course SOL tests are given to students enrolled in the following subjects taken for high school credit: English: Reading & Writing (two tests given in grade 11 cover English 9-11 SOLs), Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, World History I, World History II, World Geography, U.S. History, Earth Science, Biology and Chemistry.

All students are required to earn a certain number of Verified Credits (see page 35) to be eligible for a Standard or Advanced Studies high school diploma. Verified Credits for graduation are based on a passing score on the required End-of-Course SOL tests or state-approved substitute tests.

Intervention plans are available for students who do not achieve a pass/proficient rating on SOL tests. Test accommodations may be provided for identified students with disabilities as documented in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Management Plan and as appropriate. Students identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP) are also eligible for test accommodations as described in their LEP Plan. Students and families are strongly encouraged to speak with the guidance staff at their school for information about fees, schedules, deadlines and related topics. More specific information for SOL tests is available on-line at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/go/VDOE/.

Stanford English Language Proficiency (SELP)
In accordance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), Limited English Proficient (LEP) students in grades K-12 must participate in SELP testing. The SELP test assesses speaking, listening, reading and writing skills of LEP students.

Stanford Achievement Test (SAT 10)
The Stanford Achievement Test is a nationally normreferenced test that assesses reading, math and language. Students in grade 5 are tested in the fall, and students in grade 2 are tested in the spring.

College Entrance Examinations: Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) I: Reasoning Test, SAT II: Subject Tests, and American College Test (ACT)
Most degree-granting colleges require an admission examination of some kind, as specified in their bulletins or catalogs. Most colleges and sponsors of financial aid programs ask students to take either the ACT or the College Entrance Examination Board Tests (CEEB). The fall dates of either program are recommended for seniors. The spring dates are recommended for juniors who plan to apply under an early decision plan or to military academies. The ACT and SAT are administered at Grafton High School.

PSAT/NMSQT
All tenth grade students take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test at the expense of the York County School Division in October. Other students may opt to register, pay the required fee and take the PSAT/NMSQT. This test is administered at all York County high schools.

The PSAT/NMSQT is a shortened version of the SAT which measures critical reading, writing and mathematical abilities important in college work. While all sophomores take the PSAT/NMSQT, the test is also recommended for juniors who plan to continue their education beyond high school. Taking this test in the junior year is the first step in entering the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students.

AP (Advanced Placement) Tests
Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP Exam to receive course credit. Many colleges offer advanced placement, college credit or both to students who obtain satisfactory scores. These tests are administered at all York County high schools.

International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate examinations are administered to students who complete each of the six IB courses: Language A (English), Language B (French or Spanish), Biology (HL) or Physics (HL or SL), IB History of the Americas, Mathematics (HL), Mathematics (SL), and Geography (SL). College credit may be offered to students who achieve satisfactory grades on these examinations and/or Advanced Placement exams. These exams are administered at York High School.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Test Battery (ASVAB)
This test is primarily for juniors and seniors. It measures aptitude in various vocational areas to provide assistance in determining possible life-long work-study goals. It provides an opportunity to view military service as a potential career option while examining alternative civilian options. The test's scores are combined to form five aptitude job clusters. The job reference guide lists civilian job categories and military job specialties for which one of the five aptitudes is most relevant. Information regarding the ASVAB can be located in high school guidance offices. The ASVAB is administered at all York County high schools.


• For Testing Dates and Times, please refer to the Student Handbook on pages 23 and 24


NOTE: Accommodations as appropriate may be provided for identified handicapped students as documented in an Individualized Education Program.