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FCPS warns proposed state SOL cut scores will sharply lower reported proficiency
Summary
Assessment staff said Virginia's proposed higher SOL cut scores would lower Frederick County proficiency rates by roughly 30% using 2025 spring data; board members called for clear communications, teacher supports and guidance for students with IEPs.
Ms. Kristen Nicola, director of assessment and accountability, presented the Virginia Department of Education’s proposed revisions to SOL proficiency cut scores and walked the committee through the development process and the projected local impact.
Nicola said Virginia convened panels of educators and representatives (about 230 participants) to match test items to updated performance-level descriptors intended to close the gap between state SOL proficiency and NAEP (the "honesty gap"). She said the proposed 2025 cut scores are higher than earlier standards and are designed to emphasize higher-order thinking and application rather than recall.
Applying the proposed options to Frederick County’s spring 2025 results, staff projected roughly a 30% decline in reported proficiency under either option presented. Nicola noted VDOE plans to offer professional learning, communication tools and grants to support the transition. The presentation also described prior historical adjustments (a 2020 lowering to ease transition) and explained the timeline: the cut scores could take effect in spring 2026 depending on statewide adoption.
Board members and Dr. Hummer uniformly cautioned that the new cut scores will make local progress look worse because the bar will have shifted. Members asked specifically about accommodations and cut-score implications for students with Individualized Education Programs; Nicola said there had been no discussion yet about changes to accommodations, credit accommodations or expedited retake ranges. The committee emphasized the need for careful communication to staff, families and the public so educators are not demoralized by lower proficiency percentages that result from a higher standard.
No formal endorsement was taken at this meeting; staff will continue outreach with principals and prepare communications for families and staff.
