- Loudoun County Public Schools
- Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP)
- How Might VAAP Participation Impact My Student in High School?
Assessment Services
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- Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP)
- VVAAS Student Assessment Summary Report -Spring 2022 Data
- LCPS Policy 5350
- Research, Assessment & School Improvement
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Although eligibility for VAAP is not dependent on a student’s course selection, typically VAAP participants are not enrolled in courses that award verified credits:
Assessment Program
SOL
VAAP
Content
English course examples
English 11 Academic
English 11 Honors
AP English Language and Composition
Functional English 11
Basic Skills
Functional Skills
Math course examples
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Functional Math
Basic Skills
Functional Skills
Science course examples
Earth Science
Biology
Chemistry
Functional Science
Basic Skills
Functional Skills
History/Social Science course examples
World History and Geography to 1500
World History and Geography 1500-Present
United States and Virginia History
World Geography
Functional Social Science
Basic Skills
Functional Skills
VAAP participants are generally unable to earn verified credits toward an Advanced Studies or Standard diploma, because students must pass SOL tests (or state-approved substitute tests) to earn verified credits.
Students who graduate with an Applied Studies diploma or a Certificate of Program Completion may not qualify for postsecondary (college, etc.) financial aid, as these are not recognized by the federal government. Parents are encouraged to contact the postsecondary institution of their choice with questions.
Assessment Program
SOL
VAAP
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Advanced Studies Diploma
To graduate with an Advanced Studies Diploma for students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and beyond, a student must earn at least 26 standard units of credit and five verified units of credit. Students earn standard credits by successfully completing required and elective courses. Students earn verified credits by successfully completing required courses and passing associated end-of-course SOL tests or other assessments approved by the state Board of Education.
To graduate with an Advanced Studies Diploma for students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2011-2012 through 2017-2018, a student must earn at least 26 standard units of credit and at least nine verified units of credit:. Students earn standard credits by successfully completing required and elective courses. Students earn verified credits by successfully completing required courses and passing associated end-of-course SOL tests or other assessments approved by the state Board of Education.
Please note: Your child's school counselor can tell you which courses are offered by your school to fulfill the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma.
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Standard Diploma
To graduate with a Standard Diploma for students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and beyond, a student must earn at least 22 standard units of credit and five verified units of credit. Students earn standard credits by successfully completing required and elective courses. Students earn verified credits by successfully completing required courses and passing associated end-of-course SOL tests or other assessments approved by the state Board of Education.
To graduate with a Standard Diploma for students who entered the ninth grade for the first time in 2011-2012 through 2017-2018, a student must earn at least 22 standard units of credit and six verified units of credit. Students earn standard credits by successfully completing required and elective courses. Students earn verified credits by successfully completing required courses and passing associated end-of-course SOL tests or other assessments approved by the state Board of Education.
Please note: Your child's school counselor can tell you which courses are offered by your school to fulfill the requirements for a Standard Diploma.
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Applied Studies Diploma
The Applied Studies Diploma is a diploma option available to students identified as having a disability who complete the requirements of their individualized education programs (IEPs) and meet certain requirements prescribed by the Board of Education pursuant to regulations, but do not meet the requirements for any named diploma.
The Applied Studies Curriculum Map consists of a Guide and six domains that outline skills and competencies that IEP teams can use to identify the need for additional instruction to assist students in meeting their postsecondary goals.
The skills outlined are not standards required to earn an Applied Studies Diploma but are intended to provide guidance to teams in aligning the student’s postsecondary goals with annual IEP goals. The Applied Studies Curriculum Map provides a guide that teachers, students, families, and other team members can use to identify skills that will have a direct impact on the student achieving their postsecondary goals.
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Certificate of Program Completion
General Achievement Adult High School Diploma (GAAHSD) Program
This diploma is intended for individuals who are at least 18 years of age and not enrolled in public school or not otherwise meeting the compulsory school attendance requirements set forth in the Code of Virginia.
General Educational Development Certificates (GED)Refer to Regulations Governing General Education Development Certificates (8 VAC 20-360-10, et. seq.)
Certificate of Program CompletionAvailable to students who complete prescribed programs of studies defined by a local school board but who do not qualify for diplomas.
