Page County officials warn new state SOL cut scores will lower pass rates and complicate comparisons

Page County School Board members were told that proposed increases to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) cut scores will probably reduce reported pass rates statewide and locally, even where student learning has not declined.

The presentation by a division representative reviewed the Board of Education proposal to raise the cut scores used to determine basic, proficient and advanced performance on SOL tests. "It is likely that pass rates are gonna go down," the presenter said, adding that the change will affect most or all divisions.

School leaders said the new cut scores are intended to raise expectations, but they urged patience and context when the first results return. The presentation noted the state plans a multi-year phase-in and that the Board of Education has been discussing details with divisions; the presenter said the state "took a vote" recently and divisions are waiting for the phase-in schedule.

Why it matters: SOL results are used by schools, parents and the public to judge performance. Raising cut scores can make a school’s year-over-year pass rate appear to decline even when instruction and student work stay the same, which can cause confusion for families and stress for students and staff.

Details from the meeting: - The presenter showed sample cut-score shifts that would move many students below the new proficiency thresholds; for example, scores previously counted as proficient could fall below the new proficiency line. "Keeping testing results in context and understanding the cut score change" will be important, the presenter said. - Board members and staff raised concerns about seniors, students with disabilities and other groups who may face high-stakes consequences if changes apply too quickly. One board member said she was "concerned… this could affect juniors, sophomores as they go up from being able to graduate." Another board member noted the emotional strain on students who retake tests: a counselor had described a senior who passed on a second attempt only after severe stress. - Staff advised the board to emphasize comparative context — comparing Page County to other divisions — rather than direct year-to-year comparisons, and to wait for the state’s formal phase-in details anticipated in October.

The board did not take formal action on the SOL changes; the session was informational and included a request to prepare communications explaining the measurement change to families and staff.

Board reaction tapered into broader advice to teachers: "Keep doing the right thing," one board member said, urging staff to focus on instruction and student well-being rather than testing noise.

Looking ahead: Division leaders said they will monitor the state's formal phase-in plan, prepare communications for families and staff, and continue classroom interventions and supports for groups the presentation singled out, such as students with disabilities and chronically absent students.