where to begin in learning about curriculum/testing/etc. in the FCPS

[Anonymous]

My son will be in kindergarten at a FFX county elementary school next year and I feel overwhelmed by all the playground talk and talk from my colleagues (in various school districts) about all the curriculum choices and testing that schools do these days. Common core, PARCC, and the other terms I hear tossed around that I can't even remember.

I think I'll be a moderately involved parent. Will these things just become part of my vocabulary as my child goes through elementary school? Should I be researching these things now and if so, where?

I'd love a readers digest version of what FCPS does for state testing, national testing, curriculum, etc.

[Anonymous]

FCPS does not use Common Core. The standards are Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs).
Kids are tested first in third grade. Then fifth. Middle school and high school also have testing--but by the time your child gets there, who knows?

If you google Virginia SOLs you will find the standards for each grade level.

You will learn as you go along. In K, just enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Learn as much as you can about the system but also be aware that as you talk to folks and read DCUM, that you will find yourself getting caught up in the rat race.

Focus on your child and what's best for him/her as an individual.

[Anonymous]

What playgrounds do you go to??? Va schools do not have Commin Core or PARCC tests. The only thing a K-2 Grade in FCPS takes is the DRA reading assesment(nation wide ) in 1st they take the NNAT and 2nd Cogat(neither one of these test do the teachers prep or tech for).1 day each for a period of an hour at most.

[Anonymous]

www.fcps.edu

[Anonymous]

Honestly, chillax. It's not that big a deal. SOLs don't even start until 3rd grade.

[Anonymous]

The DRA2 -WA (Diagnostic reading assessment) begins in K. That's a test of your child's letter and sound recognition. It's done in the fall and spring. You will get the results from the spring testing. If your child is already reading, you can ask for a regular DRA (normally given starting in 1st) if you want to know your child's reading level. There are also math assessments (very basic). See http://www.fcps.edu/pla/ost/monthly_calendars/2014_15/testing_program_by_grade/14_15_testing_program_by_grade.shtml for all testing.

For curriculum, see FCPS Program of Studies at http://www.fcps.edu/is/pos/es.shtml.