State Board of Education raises SOL cut scores

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Soon, Virginia students will have to answer more questions correctly to pass their SOL exams. 

On Thursday, the Virginia Board of Education voted to raise SOL cut scores in reading and math. 

“Raising expectations is good for our students, and good for Virginia. It ensures that every graduate is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive after graduation,” said Board President Grace Creasey.

Currently, on a scale of 0-600, students have to receive a score of at least 400 to be considered proficient. However, the new cut scores will raise that number depending on the grade and subject.

Take fourth-grade math as an example. Instead of the 400, students will need to get a score of at least 445 to be considered proficient. 

Proponents said the new scores will increase expectations and put Virginia more in line with what other national exams consider proficient. 

“Virginia parents deserve the same actionable information about their children's academic performance on SOLs as parents in Maryland, Massachusetts, Colorado, and numerous other states,” Arlington parent Todd Truitt told the board. 

However, opponents said the cut scores shouldn’t be changed in the middle of the school year. Plus, they said school divisions haven’t received district-specific information on how the new scores will affect pass rates and more. 

“Many feel that this is unfair, as our students are continuously trying to reach the top of the mountain that just keeps on growing. This would only cause additional stress on students, especially our students who do struggle with mental health," said Alynn Parham, a teacher who lives in Newport News.

The Department of Education will spend the next month meeting with stakeholders and school divisions to share some of that district-specific information before finalizing a phased-in approach to the new cut scores in October.