Virginia public schools are starting a four-year phase-in of higher passing scores for Reading and Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in the 2026–27 school year, according to a Powhatan County Public Schools update. During this transition, the state created a temporary performance level called "Pass/Approaching" for students close to the new benchmark. Students in this tier still count as passing for school accountability ratings and high school graduation.
What Happened
The state is raising the minimum score needed to reach "Proficient" on Reading and Mathematics SOL tests over a four-year period, Powhatan County Public Schools reported. Because the scoring bands shifted, families might notice a different performance label on score reports this year, even if their student's performance did not drop. School divisions review SOL results alongside classroom assignments and teacher assessments when tracking student progress.
The temporary "Pass/Approaching" score meets state reporting and graduation requirements, but only "Pass/Proficient" and "Pass/Advanced" indicate that a student met full grade-level expectations, according to Arlington Public Schools. The higher cut scores take effect for almost all Reading and Mathematics SOL tests in 2026–27. There are two exceptions: the new passing score for End-of-Course Reading, usually taken in 11th grade, will not take effect until the 2028–29 school year, and the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) is exempt entirely.
The Bigger Picture
The Virginia Board of Education adopted the higher cut scores to match state academic standards and national benchmarks, according to Loudoun County Public Schools. Under the old system, a flat score of 400 on a 600-point scale counted as "pass/proficient" across every grade and subject. The new thresholds vary by grade level, according to Pizer Law.
School officials in Isle of Wight County warned that phasing in higher passing thresholds through the 2029–30 school year could lower reported pass rates, according to the Smithfield Times. The state reports division and school performance to the public through its School Quality Profiles, according to Spotsylvania County Public Schools. High school students must still earn five verified credits by passing end-of-course SOL tests in English, mathematics, science, and social studies to graduate.
Secondary students also have a revised testing calendar this year. Under state legislation (SB 200/HB 299), students in grades 7 through 12 must take their SOL tests during the final two instructional weeks of the semester or school year. The testing window for grades 3 through 6 remains unchanged, according to Arlington Public Schools.