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Virginia Beach shows gains on most 2024–25 SOL tests; math and some student groups remain focus areas
Summary
The district presented 2024–25 Standards of Learning (SOL) pass rates showing improvements on 18 of 28 tests and outperformance of state averages in most subjects, while math performance for certain grades and outcomes for students with disabilities, English learners and Hispanic students remain areas for targeted support.
Virginia Beach — The district reported Sept. 9 that Virginia Beach City Public Schools improved pass rates on 18 of 28 Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in 2024–25 and exceeded state pass rates on 26 of 28 tests, though gaps remain for some student groups and in specific math courses.
Martin Barrett, testing specialist in the office of planning, innovation and accountability, briefed the board on detailed pass‑rate results. “In 2024–25, pass rates improved on every science test and every history test when compared to the prior year,” Barrett said. Reading pass rates ranged from 75% in grade 3 to 91% in grade 11; math pass rates ranged from 47% in grade 7 (a subset of students) to 96% in algebra 2. Barrett noted only 38% of enrolled seventh‑graders took the grade‑7 math SOL because many seventh graders are enrolled in advanced courses assessed by grade‑8 math or Algebra I tests.
The presentation also examined pass rates by reporting groups. Math pass rates in 2024–25 ranged from 46% for students with disabilities to 91% for the Asian reporting group. Reading pass rates in 2024–25 ranged from 44% for English learners to 91% for Asian students. Barrett said the division will prioritize targeted supports for groups where performance gaps remain, especially students with disabilities, English learners and Black students.
Board members asked for additional context and requested deeper, cohort‑level literacy growth analysis. Superintendent Robertson said the division will present a broader update on the state’s new school performance and support framework and a core‑content and secondary math sequence on Oct. 14.
