Virginia’s New SOL Cut Scores: What’s Changing and How Schools Can Prepare

In September 2025, the Virginia Board of Education unanimously approved new cut scores for the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. This decision follows the adoption of more rigorous academic standards in math and English, and marks a significant shift in how student proficiency will be measured across the Commonwealth.

Here’s what Virginia educators and school leaders need to know about the changes, what to expect during the transition, and how to prepare effectively.

Background: Why Are Cut Scores Changing?

Cut scores define what a student needs to score on an SOL assessment to be considered proficient. Until now, Virginia’s cut scores have been based on older standards: 2016 for mathematics and 2017 for English. Since then, the state has adopted:

• 2023 Mathematics Standards
• 2024 English Standards
  

These new standards require deeper conceptual understanding, stronger critical thinking skills, and more real-world application. Updating the cut scores is a natural and necessary next step to reflect the increased rigor students are already facing in the classroom.

The new cut scores align with NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) proficiency levels, providing a nationally recognized benchmark of academic readiness. This alignment allows Virginia to more accurately assess student performance compared to other states.

Timeline: When Do the New Cut Scores Take Effect?

Virginia is phasing in the new cut scores rather than implementing them all at once. Here’s what that timeline looks like:

• Fall 2025: Cut scores officially approved by the Board of Education.
• Spring 2026: First semester of implementation begins.
• 2026 to 2030: Gradual rollout with full implementation by 2030.
  

During this transition period, Virginia will use the “approaching” proficiency level, which acts as a bridge between the old and new scoring systems. This phase-in model ensures that schools and students have time to adjust before being held fully accountable under the new expectations.

What’s Changing From the Old to the New Cut Scores?

Under the new system, levels demonstrating proficiency are increasing across all tested areas. In other words, students will need to demonstrate higher levels of mastery to earn the same performance labels (e.g., “Proficient”).

Key goals behind this change include:

• Reflecting the content and rigor of the new SOL standards
• Providing more accurate insight into student readiness
• Incentivizing improved instruction and evidence-based practices
• Supporting long-term student success across college, careers, and military pathways
• Improving Virginia’s competitiveness in national assessments like NAEP
• Strengthening the state’s future workforce and economic outlook
  

Simply put, raising the bar now helps ensure students are prepared for the real world later.

How Should Schools and Districts Prepare?

The Virginia Department of Education is providing a range of support resources to help schools navigate the transition:

• A communications toolkit to inform families about the changes
• Professional development (PD) for teachers focused on evidence-based strategies
• Improved student reports to help parents and educators understand progress
• Assessment data guidance to target learning gaps
  

Additionally, VDOE has highlighted how other states, such as Illinois, Massachusetts, and Tennessee, experienced temporary score declines after raising expectations. However, those initial drops gave way to long-term instructional improvements and stronger student outcomes.

To prepare, school leaders should:

1. Evaluate performance under the new standards: How have students done with the 2023 math and 2024 English standards so far?
2. Review past assessment data: Are students trending upward or flatlining? Where are the gaps? This is important to understand where students currently stand before things start changing so you can compare appropriately.
3. Align instruction and materials: Is your curriculum truly reflective of the new standards and their rigor?
4. Ensure students have access to standards-aligned practice: Without it, the transition will be even more difficult.
5. Identify which students need targeted intervention: The earlier you can intervene, the better.
   

How Progress Learning Supports the Transition

Progress Learning is particularly helpful in moments like this. As districts across Virginia prepare for higher expectations and a new definition of “proficiency,” we provide the tools and support educators need to stay ahead.

Here’s how:

SOL-Aligned Content Across All Subjects and Grades

Progress Learning offers fully updated content that aligns directly with Virginia’s 2023 math and 2024 English Standards of Learning. No guesswork, no gaps, just consistent, accurate practice in one platform.

Instant Remediation and Personalized Study Plans

When students miss a question, they’re immediately guided to resources that reteach the skill. Teachers can also assign individualized study plans to reinforce mastery at the student level.

Liftoff Adaptive Intervention

Our intervention platform, Liftoff, uses real-time data (including NWEA MAP integration) to deliver targeted support to students performing below grade level, especially helpful for bridging learning gaps during a time of changing expectations.

Pre-Built and Custom Assessments

Whether you want assessments that mirror the structure of SOLs or prefer to create your own from our 200,000+ item bank, you’ll have the flexibility to test exactly what your students need.

Comprehensive Progress Monitoring and Reporting

Track growth from classroom to district level. Our tools make it easy to see how students are performing now, during the transition, and post-implementation so you can allocate support and resources strategically.

Final Takeaways

Raising SOL cut scores is about more than new numbers. It’s about setting honest expectations that align with today’s academic standards and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Change can be uncomfortable but it can also be transformative. With clear guidance, intentional planning, and the right instructional tools, Virginia’s schools can rise to this challenge and help every student reach their full potential.

If your district is looking for a trusted partner during this transition, Progress Learning is ready to support you every step of the way. Get in touch below to see how we can help