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Course Planning
Program of Studies for Grades 6-12
Grading
In order to support student achievement and success, teachers continuously monitor and follow up with students regarding their progress. Grades are an important tool to describe a student’s understanding of course content. In addition, our grading practices aim to
- motivate students to achieve academic success
- support a growth mindset
- give students opportunities for redemption
- give feedback that is transparent and understandable
For our upper grades, we are currently in the process of phasing in a 10-point, standards-based grading scale, a system which documents students’ mastery and understanding of a class’s core skills and learning standards. We began this transition in math classes in the 2024-25 school year and are shifting to this approach in all subjects in grades 6–12.
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(where standards-based grading has not yet been phased in)
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Promotion & Retention
State Assessments & Accountability
Charlottesville City Schools participates in the Virginia Assessment Program, which includes required assessments in certain subjects at various grade levels. The program includes readiness testing for kindergarteners, Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) testing in grades K-8, and Standards of Learning (SOL) testing in grades 3-8 and in certain high school courses.
Students in Virginia’s public schools complete the SOL tests using the online testing application TestNav. Students who take online grades 3-8 Mathematics and Reading tests will be given a computer-adaptive version of the Standards of Learning tests. At the high school level, some assessments include a performance task, which allows students to demonstrate their learning and earn verified credits in History/Social Science and Writing.
Schools will notify parents when citywide tests are administered during the year and will share information about each student’s performance on those assessments. Parents with questions about the testing program or their child’s progress are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher.
Purpose of Testing
The Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) outline what students are expected to know and be able to do at the end of each grade or course in subjects such as English, mathematics, science, history, and social science.
SOL tests are designed to measure how well students have learned this material and how successfully they are meeting the state’s learning goals. Schools use the results to better understand students’ instructional needs, improve teaching and learning, develop appropriate courses and programs, and identify areas of the school curriculum that may need additional focus.
Virginia’s new accountability system, the School Performance and Support Framework, looks at several factors—including SOL test results, student growth, attendance, and graduation rates—to provide a comprehensive picture of school performance and better understand how schools support student learning and success.
Contact
Director of Assessment and Accountability
Carolyn Swift, 434-245-2400
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ASSESSMENT
DESCRIPTION
ACCESS for English Language Learners (ELLs)
State-required annual assessment to determine the language progress and proficiency of English Language Learners.
AP
(Advanced Placement)
Advanced Placement courses give students the chance to try college-level work in high school. Information on exam dates, college and university policies on AP credit acceptance, and more can be found on the College Board website.
AMC
(Assessing Math Concepts)
AMC assessments focus on the concepts of counting, comparing, number composition and decomposition, place value, addition and subtraction, and beginning multiplication and division. For PreK-1st grade only.
Brigance Preschool Screen II
Brigance II is a widely-used screening tool for 3-year-olds. It provides a norm-referenced snapshot of children’s language, motor, social-emotional, and early learning skills.
DESSA
(Devereux Student Strengths Assessment)
A standardized, strength-based assessment that measures the social and emotional competence of students. Because Clark and Greenbrier Elementaries have been piloting this work, additional assessments are taken at those schools.
CCS
Division Term Assessment (Quarterly)
Division-created assessments to determine student understanding of quarterly and cumulative standards of learning content.
MAP
(Measures of Academic Progress)
Nationally norm-referenced, skill-based assessment in English and mathematics. Given in fall, winter, and spring to document student growth.
PALS
(Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening for Pre-K, 1-3 and Plus)
State-provided universal screening tool for Virginia’s Early Intervention Reading Initiative (EIRI) and as a screener/diagnostic measure in literacy.
Performance Assessment
A form of testing that requires students to perform a task rather than select an answer from a ready-made list.
PSAT
(Preliminary SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test)
The PSAT is a “practice exam” for the SAT, a widely used standardized college entrance exam. High school juniors’ scores count toward a scholarship program. The PSAT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills.
SOL Tests (Standards of Learning)
SOL tests determine student understanding of Virginia’s learning standards in the following areas: math, history, reading, science, and writing. SOL tests are given in certain grades or at the end of specific high-school courses. End of course tests are labeled EOC.
VKRP
(Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program)
A state mandate that assesses students entering kindergarten in the areas of mathematics and social-emotional learning (SEL).
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Each year English language proficiency assessments are administered at all grade levels to English learners. This assessment is a state and federal requirement.
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Students with disabilities and English language learners may require special testing accommodations and have additional rights; parents should consult the principal for further information. Additional assessment programs may also be administered to students as appropriate for instructional planning.
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The Virginia Department of Education posts “School Quality Profiles” about every public school in the state. The School Quality Profile for Charlottesville City Schools can be found at the link below.