"Every Child a Star" is the ultimate goal in Suffolk Public Schools. In an effort to measure our success, testing is a critical component of the process. By design, the Virginia State Department of Education requires that students be assessed using a criterion referenced measure. Suffolk Public Schools also assesses students using a normed referenced measure.

The Standards of Learning Assessments are the criterion referenced measure. Standards of Learning Assessments focus on the assessment of students in grades 3 through 8, and selected high school courses.

In addition to the Standards of Learning Assessments, high school students have the option of taking additional assessments to help prepare them for either college or the workforce.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. Several composite scores are formed from different combinations of ASVAB test scores. Three composites, or Career Exploration Scores, are provided specifically to help students engage in career exploration. These scores help students to get a good sense of their verbal, math, science and technical skills.

http://www.asvabprogram.com/

The SAT Reasoning Test is accepted by nearly every college in America as a part of its admissions process. That's why more than two million students take the SAT every year. The SAT includes a Critical Reading, Math, and Writing section, with a specific number of questions related to content. Subject Tests may also be used as part of a student’s admission process. They are designed to measure students’ knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge.

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about.html

The ACT, which is America's most widely accepted college entrance exam, assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.

http://www.act.org/

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™. It also gives students a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. All sophomore students are given the opportunity to participate in the PSAT. Some middle schools students, upon request, may also participate in the SAT, ACT, and PSAT.

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

Advanced Placement (AP) can change a student’s life. Through college-level AP courses, a student will enter a universe of knowledge that might otherwise remain unexplored in high school; through AP Exams, a student will have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's colleges and universities.

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

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