Board hears concerns over VDOE proposal to raise SOL cut scores and timing of implementation

Superintendent Graham briefed the board on recent activity at the Virginia Department of Education concerning proposed increases to Standards of Learning (SOL) cut scores and described district concerns about timing and implementation.

Graham said VDOE is considering raising cut scores, and staff reported two phase‑in models under discussion: a four‑year or a five‑year phase‑in. Regional superintendents and the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) have advocated for a phased approach rather than immediate implementation. District administrators told the board they are concerned about changing cut scores in the middle of the school year because some students will be tested under one standard in fall benchmarks and under another if scores change in the spring; staff said that could create confusing comparisons and operational difficulties.

Graham and staff noted the stated intent behind the proposed change is to align Virginia’s expectations with more rigorous national norms and to close an "honesty gap" between Virginia assessments and national standards. Staff cited examples from other states that raised standards (Tennessee, Mississippi) and noted those states saw score declines initially but later movement in the desired direction. District staff said they support higher expectations but urged VDOE to use a phased implementation that avoids mid‑year changes and to clarify how new cut scores will interact with course placement, advanced class eligibility and the accountability model currently being phased in by the state.

Board members and administrators discussed timing and communication. Staff said additional VDOE votes and webinars are planned and that the next formal VDOE action was scheduled in late October; superintendent and staff said they would continue to monitor the state process and report back to the board. No board action was taken at this meeting; the discussion was informational.