Standards of Learning (SOL) testing begins this week! Please be aware that this year, the testing window overlaps with Ramadan, the Muslim holy month marked by daily fasting. Testing begins May 14 and will run through June 7. Ramadan began on May 5 and runs through June 4.
Alexandria is home to hundreds of cultures, languages and many faiths, some of which have special days of observance during the school calendar year. When observance coincides with scheduled testing, schools and families should work together to make adjustments and ensure the students’ needs are met, including arranging make-up tests and scheduling first thing in the morning when fasting students have more energy.
The dates of the Eid Al-Fitr holiday at the end of the month of Ramadan will fall on either Tuesday, June 4 or Wednesday, June 5. The families that follow the moon sighting method will not know the actual day until the night of June 3, as that’s when the moon has to be sighted. Therefore, these families will celebrate the first day of Eid on June 4 or June 5, depending on the outcome of the moon sighting. The families that follow the calculation method will be celebrating June 4 as the first day of Eid. The Eid celebrations start from the “eve” of Eid (the evening of the prior day) and last three days, however the first day of Eid is typically very special as mosques, community organizations and families hold special morning prayer services and activities for families, including children.
If you are aware of Muslim students in your classes, please reach out to each and ensure they are aware and set up accommodations, such as a make-up test, if needed.
Testing Schedule
Students in grades 3-12 at all ACPS schools will take the SOL Non-Writing tests by Friday, June 7. The SOL Non-Writing tests cover the general content areas of reading, mathematics, history/social studies and science.
See the 2018-19 ACPS Standardized Testing Schedule (PDF) for test dates.
No Electronic Devices During Testing
In accordance with ACPS and Virginia Department of Education testing regulations, students are not permitted to access cell phones or other personal electronic devices during testing and should make arrangements to secure them appropriately. Students will receive this same reminder on the day of testing. Accessing a cell phone or other personal electronic device during testing is a violation of testing regulations.