Testing Information
Throughout the high school years, students take a variety of assessments within and outside the classroom. Serving a multitude of purposes, these assessments play a critical role in student success here at Fort Defiance High School and beyond. To help both students and parents alike, below you will find general descriptions and information about the more common assessments that high school students may take during their four years here at Fort Defiance. If you have questions about any of these assessments, do not hesitate to let your school counselor know.
SAT and ACT Testing
The SAT and the ACT are the two most common college entrance tests used by numerous colleges/universities today. Students typically take either of these tests (and sometimes both) during the winter/spring of junior year and/or fall/winter of senior year.
AP Testing
Advanced Placement (AP) testing can occur when a student is enrolled in an AP course. These college-level courses provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit based on the successful completion of the course and in consideration of the score they earn on the AP test. Individual colleges make the decision whether they will award an incoming student college credit for the completion of an AP course in high school. Students typically take these tests during the spring of junior year and/or senior year.
PSAT Testing
The PSAT is a pre-college entrance test used by students to practice for content on the SAT. Students who have any inclination to pursue college education typically take this test in the fall of sophomore and junior year.
ASVAB Testing
The ASVAB is a comprehensive career exploration and planning program that includes a multiple aptitude test battery, an interest inventory, and various career planning tools designed to help students explore the world of work. Students who have any inclination to join the military are urged to take the ASVAB. Students not interested in the military can still take the ASVAB for career exploration purposes. The ASVAB is typically offered at Fort Defiance once during the school year.
SOL Testing
The Standards of Learning (or SOL) for Virginia public schools establish minimum expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade or course in English, mathematics, science, history/social science and other subjects. In high school, SOL testing occurs in the following courses: English Reading and Writing (English 11), Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II, Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, World Geography, World History, and US History.
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