Changes to Virginia SOL “cut scores” and opportunity for stakeholder input

(Updated Nov. 1, 2025)

What Happened:

The Virginia Board of Education (VDOE) recently voted to approve new higher “cut scores” for its end-of-year Standards of Learning Assessments, or “SOLs.” This means students in Virginia’s public schools, including APS, will soon have to achieve higher scores to achieve a passing score on an SOL assessment and be deemed “proficient.” 

You can find more information in the VDOE Press Release.

Why We’re Alerting You:

At this point, there are many open questions as to how and when these changes will impact both students with and without disabilities. VDOE is currently gathering input from stakeholders on a multi-year phased-in implementation plan that will be voted on at its October 23, 2025 meeting. 

The Virginia Board of Education will be taking action on the plan to implement the changes to cut scores on November 13. Community members are able to provide feedback on these changes through November 6. 

SEPTA will continue to monitor this issue, its impact on students with disabilities, and APS’s response to the changes. 

What You Can Do:

UPDATE: Join Nov. 5th VDOE Listening Session on Cut Scores. The state will host a listening session for families on November 5 from 5:30-6:30pm where you can share your thoughts. 
Link to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 230 998 444 924 3
Passcode: ui9mv9Nz

The community has an opportunity to provide your feedback to VDOE via this website through Nov 6th: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/student-assessment/cut-scores

As always, community members are welcome to share your thoughts on this and other issues directly with SEPTA as well, as input from our community informs our advocacy.  https://www.arlingtonsepta.org/community-feedback/