Testing
Standardized testing is managed through the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Department of Accountability.
Visit the ACPS Accountability page to find out about standardized tests such as the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)
Testing at GW Overview
Each year, students take a variety of standardized tests at GW so that everyone (teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, and the students themselves) can understand how better to grow each student’s strengths and to remediate any potential weaknesses.
These tests can be either national tests or state-specific tests. The biggest national test all students take each year is the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test. Students take this test three times per year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and are tested in Reading and Mathematics. The MAP test provides both an indicator of how well an individual student is performing against his peers nationwide (an achievement score) as well as a longitudinal look at how well the student has performed against himself over time (a growth score).
Another national test some students may take (once per year) is the WIDA test. This test is specifically for GW’s English Language Learners. Students are tested in four WIDA domains: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. This test occurs during the month of February each year and is used to determine EL services for the following school year.
At the state level, the biggest test students take are the Standards of Learning (SOL) exams in May each year. Sixth and seventh graders test in Reading and in Math, while eighth graders test in Reading (with Integrated Writing), Math (Algebra 1 or Geometry), Science, and Social Studies (Civics). In order to prepare students for the SOLs, most students also take the Virginia Growth Assessments in Reading and Math in the fall and winter.
After each testing season (fall, winter, spring), most scores are sent home to parents via mail. Some results can also be accessed via PowerSchool and your child’s Performance Matters dashboard.