English Assessments

Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS)

Grades K-8

VALLSS was developed by Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP) out of the University of Virginia for elementary literacy screening. The purpose of the test is to identify children in need of additional support in decoding and comprehension. Additional information can be found on the Virginia Literacy Partnerships website. 

IXL

Grades 6-11

In addition to providing student exercises, IXL is a diagnostic test to determine students' specific areas of strength and weakness so English instruction can be designed to meet their needs. Teachers can assign this computer-based diagnostic assessment throughout the year so achievement and growth can be monitored. More information can be found on the IXL Real-Time Diagnostic website.

CIP Benchmark Assessments

Grades 2-8

CIP Benchmarks are administered at the end of Quarters 1-3 to assess skills taught within that quarter. Assessments are aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning and provide information on students' skills that are strengths and areas for growth. 

Virginia Standards of Learning Tests

Grades 3-8, End of Course: Reading SOLs

End of Course: Writing SOL

Grades 5, 8, End of Course: Integrated Reading & Writing (IRW) Assessment

The Virginia English Standards of Learning (SOL) define the standards for each grade level. All Virginia public school students are given multiple-choice standardized tests that assess the students’ understanding of the Standards of Learning. Schools are evaluated annually using the results of these high-stakes assessments. Students in 11th grade typically take the End of Course Reading and Writing SOLs to earn a verified credit for graduation. Information about the reading and the writing tests can be found at the Virginia Department of Education’s home page.

The rubrics used to assess the Integrated Reading and Writing Assessment can be found on the VDOE's "Assessment Resources" page.