FAQs
Testing and Assessment FAQs
How is student progress assessed?
For 6th grade, Nevada Virtual Academy (NVVA) is a mastery-based program, which means students master concepts and lessons before moving on to the next lesson. Students are required to submit work samples to their teachers for evaluation and feedback. In the secondary grades, teachers assess mastery and provide quantitative feedback to students and families.
What tests will my child be required to take?
All NVVA students are required to take the following tests:
- Course lesson assessments
- Course unit assessments
- Semester assessments
In addition, students are required to complete the following tests. For more information about them, visit the Nevada Department of Education. Multiple test sites around the state are available for students to take many of these tests.
Throughout the year:
- Grades 6–12 take the MAP reading and math assessment for interim progress monitoring.
Winter:
- Grades 6–8 identified as English Language Learners take the WIDA English Language Proficiency assessment.
- Grade 11 participates in the ACT free of charge when administered by the school. Scores are not used to determine graduation eligibility but can be submitted with college applications.
Spring:
- Grades 6–8 participate in the Smarter Balance assessment.
- Grades 8 and 10 participate in science assessments.
- High school students take end-of-course assessments for designated courses (e.g., English 10, Algebra I, Geometry I).
- Students at designated grade levels take the Nevada Alternative assessment when appropriate.
Note: NVVA uses the event management program Testing Nirvana to send students emails, appointments, and important information. Please add donotreply@testingnirvana.com to your student's trusted sender email list to avoid sensitive information being delivered to a spam folder.
Will my child have to participate in state testing?
Yes. NVVA students must comply with all state-mandated testing requirements. This is a mandatory requirement. Students who do not participate in state testing will have their letter grades reduced in the tested course by one (1) letter grade.
What is WIDA ACCESS testing?
ACCESS testing from WIDA is an English language proficiency assessment for students in grades 6–12 identified as English language learners (ELLs). The four sections of the test are listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
What is the purpose of the test?
ACCESS measures students' abilities to understand and produce English used in school settings.
Why does my child have to take the test
ELL students are required to participate in the test every year until their scores meet the criteria to exit the language support program. You may contact NVVA about how your child was identified as an ELL.
When will my child take the test?
Contact NVVA to see when your child is scheduled to take the test.
How are the test scores used?
ACCESS scores can be used in many ways. Parents can use the scores to advocate for their child. Teachers use the scores to plan instruction and assessments. Districts use the scores to evaluate their language support programs, to monitor student progress in acquiring English, and to determine if a student is eligible to exit an English language support program. Scores are also used to meet federal and state accountability requirements.
