Charlottesville City Schools staff reported overall gains on the 2024–25 Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments while cautioning that state changes to passing scores will affect future published rates.
The division’s combined pass rates were 67 percent in reading and 67 percent in math for the spring administration, staff said. Reading was up four points since 2022 and two points since last year; math was up 12 points since 2022 and four points year‑over‑year. Staff noted particular gains in several grade bands, including an eight‑point increase in grade 6 reading and double‑digit gains in multiple student subgroups over the last few years.
Administrators emphasized the tests were aligned to updated, more rigorous state standards and that the state has approved new higher cut scores to be implemented next spring. The presentation included examples showing that the new items require deeper justification and multi‑step problem solving rather than single‑skill recall.
Division staff highlighted actions taken to support students: continuing implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act training for K–8 teachers, adding a new screener for grades 4–8 to identify specific literacy skill gaps, expanding standards‑aligned math instruction and reviewing new instructional materials for adoption. The district also pointed to improvements in high‑school measures: CHS algebra 1 pass rates increased by 10 points, and the division’s algebra 1 pass rate rose seven points and exceeded the state average.
Board members asked whether chronic absenteeism correlates with the test results and how the division will use screeners and tiered supports to prepare students for the upcoming higher cut scores. Staff said schools administer flexible intervention blocks (impact/wind time) and individual student reading plans to target skill deficits.
Why this matters: The reported gains suggest progress under new standards and training investments, but the state’s new cut scores will likely lower reported pass rates when applied, meaning districts must accelerate interventions and communicate changes to families.