In this section
Overview
Throughout the school year, students take part in a variety of assessments that help teachers understand what they know, how they’re growing, and where they may need extra support. These tests are only one part of how we measure learning. Classroom work, teacher observations, and projects are equally important. The information below explains the purpose of each assessment and how scores help guide instruction and student progress.
The ACT is a test that helps colleges see how ready a student is for college-level work compared to other students. It has four main parts: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each part is scored between 1 and 36. The overall, or composite, score is the average of the four parts.
A score of 21 is about the national average, which means half of students score higher and half score lower. The ACT also sets “College Readiness Benchmarks.” These are scores that suggest a student is likely to do well in college classes. The benchmarks are: English – 18, Math – 22, Reading – 22, and Science – 23.
The IXL diagnostic continues to update as students answer IXL practice questions. Every question, whether in diagnostic mode or regular practice, counts toward a student’s overall profile score. This means a student’s score can change anytime they practice.
In WJCC, students take the diagnostic during the fall and winter to check their progress during the school year. This also serves as another way to measure growth. The Virginia Department of Education allows school divisions to use IXL instead of the Virginia Growth Assessment.
The IXL score shows a student’s overall learning level on a scale from PreK to Grade 12. For example, a score of 300 means the student is ready to start 3rd grade skills. A 350 means the student is halfway through 3rd grade skills.
These scores help students and teachers decide what skills to practice next.
The SAT is a test that measures how ready a student is for college. It has two main parts: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math. Each part is scored between 200 and 800. The total score is the two parts added together, which ranges from 400 to 1600.
An average score is about 1050–1100. A score of 1350 usually places a student in the top 10–15% of test-takers.
The College Board sets benchmarks to show if a student is on track for college success. These benchmarks are 480 in ERW and 530 in Math.
The Virginia SOL tests are state exams that check how well students have learned subjects like Reading, Math, Science, and History. A student’s score shows both their skill level and whether they met Virginia’s learning standards.
SOL scores go from 0 to 600 and are grouped into three levels:
- 0 – 399 = Fail/Does Not Meet: The student did not show basic understanding of the subject.
- 400 – 499 = Pass/Proficient: The student met the standard with a solid understanding.
- 500 – 600 = Pass/Advanced: The student went beyond the standard, showing strong understanding.
The VGA is given to students in Grades 6-8 Reading and Math during the Fall and Winter. These assessments are different from SOL tests. The goal is not to “Pass/Fail” like a SOL test but to measure student growth during the year. The VGA helps teachers understand what skills a student already knows and what areas need more focus before the Spring SOL test.
The VKRP is used in kindergarten to understand how ready a child is for school. Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) is used to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth in four core areas: geometry, patterning, numeracy, and computation. Each child is placed into one of two categories:
- At/Above Benchmark: Shows the skills expected for kindergarten.
- Below Benchmark: Needs significant support in this area.
The VALLSS is an early reading test used mostly in PreK through Grade 3, and sometimes up to Grade 8. It helps identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties. The test measures important early reading skills such as sounding out words (decoding), spelling (encoding), and understanding language. These skills are the foundation for learning to read.
The test is given in the fall, winter, and spring. Students are placed into one of three risk bands:
- Low Risk: On track with reading skills.
- Moderate Risk: Needs extra support.
- High Risk: Needs intensive help.
These results come from several subtests, including word reading, nonsense word decoding, sentence comprehension, and vocabulary. For more details about the subtests, families should contact their child’s teacher.
Courtney Hoffpauir
Communications and Engagement Specialist: Family Relations & Community Partnerships
P: (757) 603-6541
