**EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:  Scores will NOT be sent by email.  WorkKeys test scores and pass/fail status now shows in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE on the Test History tab (located after SOL EOC tests in the sort order) only through the web browser not through the app

• Teachers can share scores with students in-person.
• A WorkKeys FAQ is now available for parents to access on the FCPS public web.

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Your student is enrolled in an English 11, Dual Enrollment English, or AP English Language and Composition course and is required to earn verified credits in Reading and Writing to graduate. The state has allowed schools to offer the ACT WorkKeys Business Writing as an alternate assessment to the SOL Writing in order for students to earn their verified credit in Writing. The WorkKeys writing assessment will be administered through English classes between January 25th and January 31st. Teachers will provide additional testing details as well as test preparation in class this quarter.

The following information compares the WorkKeys and SOL Writing test:

ACT WorkKeys® Business Writing

• Response to one essay prompt in a business-like fashion (persuasive writing)
• 30-minute test for standard, non-accommodated tests
• Some testing accommodations allow for more time, up to 3 hours. English Language Learner (ELL) students may use a bilingual dictionary and have extended time
• Tests are usually scored within a week 
• Standard-time (30 minute) and double time (60 minutes) testing sessions will occur during an 11th grade English class period in the testing window

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course (EOC) Writing Test

• 2-day test; untimed but each part takes about 100-150 minutes 
• One part is approximately 50 multiple choice questions based on grammar, syntax and composition; the second part is one essay prompt (persuasive writing)
• Students have full accommodation access
• Tests are usually scored within 4-6 weeks
• Students are pulled from classes for 2 days of testing in the testing window

If you would still prefer your English 11 or Dual Enrollment English student take the Writing SOL in March in place of the WorkKeys writing, you will need to complete the WorkKeys opt-out form no later than December 17th. Families who choose to opt-out of the WorkKeys and thereby take the March SOL will not be offered the WorkKeys assessment in January.

• WorkKeys Opt-Out Form

For students enrolled in AP Language and Composition, these students will use the AP exam at the end of the course in their attempt to secure their Writing verified credits. Students must score a 2 or higher on the AP exam to earn the verified credit for graduation. AP Language and Composition students who have already opted-out of the AP Exam in May will take the WorkKeys in January. If your student is scheduled to take the AP Exam in May, but you wish for them to also have an opportunity to take the WorkKeys in January, please contact Jennifer Bury, LBSS Assessment Coach. 

If you have any additional questions, please contact Jennifer Bury, LBSS Assessment Coach.