The Virginia Board of Education has voted to raise the cut scores—the passing marks—for reading and math on the SOL tests. These new cut scores are designed to match Virginia’s tougher academic standards adopted in math (2023) and English (2024).
Goal: Make sure that a Virginia diploma truly signals students are ready for college, career, or the military.
Why Now?
- Stronger standards, outdated measures. Until now, proficiency was judged against 2016 (math) and 2017 (English) standards. That meant students could “pass” without meeting today’s expectations.
- Closing the honesty gap. Virginia’s bar was among the lowest in the nation, masking how students were really performing, especially after post-pandemic learning loss.
What School Boards Need to Know
- This will not happen overnight. The new cut scores will be phased in over at least four years. The Board will set the final plan on October 24 after hearing more from divisions.
- No school will lose accreditation because of this. Changing cut scores does not affect accreditation status.
- Current seniors are protected. The Class of 2026 will still graduate using the existing 400 cut score for verified credits.
- Growth counts. Students and schools will still be measured on progress, not just one-time scores.
Support Is Coming with Higher Expectations
- $35 million targeted for literacy and math.
- Flexible funding rules so divisions have more time to use grants effectively.
- DOE regional support networks and a new strategy to help principals.
- Division-specific impact data shared privately with each school system before public release.
Key Takeaways for School Board Members
- Reassure your community. No schools are losing accreditation this year. Current students close to graduation are protected.
- Plan for the phase-in. This is a multi-year change, not a sudden shift.
- Use the support offered. Take advantage of DOE funding, coaching, and regional networks.
- Communicate clearly. Parents and teachers need to know that while expectations are rising, time and resources are built in.
Bottom line: Virginia is raising the bar, but doing it gradually. Higher expectations are paired with funding, flexibility, and support to ensure students, teachers, and schools can succeed.
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