Assessment

The APS Office of Assessment provides training and support across the division to staff on the Virginia Assessment Program. The office strives to cultivate positive and purposeful assessment experiences for Arlington Public School students, families, teachers, and school leaders while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines.

Specific assessments overseen by Office of Assessment include the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs), the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP), the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3), the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, the ACCESS for ELLs language proficiency assessment, and the PSAT test administration. Please contact your child’s school directly with any questions related to other assessments not overseen by this office.

Why do students need to take assessments? Assessments serve two important purposes:

Supporting Student Learning – Assessments provide teachers with valuable insights into each student’s strengths and areas for growth. This helps educators tailor instruction, provide targeted support, and ensure that all students are progressing effectively.
Meeting Educational Requirements – Schools are required to administer assessments to comply with local, state, and federal education policies. These assessments help measure overall school performance, ensure accountability, and guide improvements in curriculum and instruction.

By participating in assessments, students receive the personalized support they need, and schools can continue to enhance the quality of education.

2024-25 Assessments

Assessments students are taking this year include:

Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) – which includes Phonological Awareness Literacy Screener (PALS), EMAS, and CBRS
Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) – Prek – Grade 3
DIBELS – select students in grades 4-8 to assist with determining effective literacy interventions.
MAP Growth Reading – Grades 3 – 10 and students in Structured Literacy & students with reading goals in the IEP in grades 11 – 12
MAP Growth Mathematics – Grades 1 – 8 and Grade 9 students in Algebra I
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) – Grades 2 – 8 without a previous CogAT score
Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3) – Grade 1 and Grade 9 without a previous abilities test

The data garnered from these assessments are used by Collaborative Learning Teams (CLTs) to focus on evidence-based core (Tier 1) instruction and interventions/extensions for students who need them to achieve success.

This information will be key as teachers focus on accelerated learning. Teachers will present current grade-level material while reinforcing skills and concepts from the previous grade level. Throughout this process, teachers remain focused on supporting all students and making learning accessible.