Middle School Assessment & Testing Guide: What Parents Need to Know
Assessments play a key role in measuring student progress, identifying individual learning needs, and ensuring our middle schoolers stay on track for academic success. Below is a complete guide to all diagnostics, benchmark tests, and Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) exams scheduled for our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders this school year. Please note all times are tentative and could be changed.
Mid-Year Benchmarks & MAP Growth Testing
Benchmark assessments track skill growth throughout the year. Please note that some testing days utilize a 2-Hour Delay Schedule to provide dedicated testing blocks.
Assessment | Student Group | Testing Window / Dates | Schedule Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Savvas Writing Benchmarks | Reading Grades 6–8 | October 12–16 | Normal Class Period |
MAP Reading Growth | Grades 6–8 | October 27 | 2-Hour Delay Schedule |
MAP Math Growth | Grades 6–8 | October 29 | 2-Hour Delay Schedule |
Science Benchmark (Mastery Connect) | Grades 6–8 | January 18 – February 5 | Normal Class Period |
Reading Benchmark (Mastery Connect) | Grades 6–8 | January 25 – February 3 | Normal Class Period |
Spring SOL Testing & History LAAs
Grade 6 SOL Schedule
May 12: Grade 6 Reading SOL
May 18: Grade 6 Civics SOL
May 20: Grade 6 Math SOL
May 25: Grade 6 Reading Retakes
May 26: Grade 6 Civics Retakes
May 27: Grade 6 Math Retakes
Grades 7 & 8 SOL Schedule
April 7: Integrated Reading & Writing (IRW 8)
(2-Hour Delay Schedule)
June 1: Grades 7–8 Reading SOL
(2-Hour Delay Schedule)
June 3: Grades 7–8 Math SOL
(2-Hour Delay Schedule)
June 7: Grade 8 Science SOL
(2-Hour Delay Schedule)
June 8: Grades 7–8 Reading Retakes
June 10: Grades 7–8 Math Retakes
June 11: Grade 8 Science Retakes
Local Alternative Assessments (LAAs)
June 1–14: Grades 7 & 8 US History I LAA (Taken during regular class periods)
Tips to Help Your Student Succeed
Rest and Nutrition: Ensure your child gets a good night's sleep before test days and eats a healthy breakfast.
Attendance: Please try to avoid scheduling appointments on testing dates, especially days marked with modified schedules.
Devices: Make sure school-issued devices are fully charged the night before each assessment.