NORFOLK, Va. - Standards of Learning (SOL) test results generally went up year-to-year in Virginia, but remain below pre-pandemic levels, according to the Virginia Dept. of Education.
In a release, the Dept. of Education highlighted math scores. In the 2018-2019 school year, 82-percent of all students passed the math SOL test, compared with 66-percent in the last school year. That number did rise from 54-percent during the 2020-2021 school year.
“The bottom line is that in-person instruction matters. When we compare the 2021-2022 data with achievement in 2020-2021 — when the majority of our students were learning remotely or on hybrid schedules — we can see the difference our teachers made once they were reunited with their students in their classrooms,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said in a statement.
Four of the five SOL subject test scores rose statewide year-to-year, except in writing.
In the seven cities of Hampton Roads, both Chesapeake and Virginia Beach were above state averages in all subjects.
Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk were all below state averages in all subjects.
Hampton was below state averages in four of the five subjects, but above in math.
Some local cities reported scores that were much higher. For example, 46-percent of students in Norfolk passed the math SOL, 20-points higher than the year before, but still 20-points below the state average.
The numbers also show a disparity statewide, according to the Dept. of Education. Pre-pandemic, 70-percent of Black students passed the math SOL, but that number is now at 49-percent.
Among Hispanic students, 74-percent passed pre-pandemic, but that fell to 53-percent in 2021-2022.
"The levels of proficiency are I would say almost immoral and we have an imperative to make sure that we are focused on getting those students what they need," said Education Sec. Aimee Guidera.
Gov. Youngkin has made education a focus of his administration since taking office at the beginning of the year.
In May, his administration released a report saying Virginia has the "lowest expectations" for students nationwide.
He said his administration is working with state lawmakers to develop recommendations for improving outcomes and raising expectations.
In a statement following the release of the SOL results, Gov. Youngkin said in part, "My administration is committed to working with parents, teachers, and the Board of Education to raise standards and create a transparent accountability system that drives improvement and sets grade-level achievement as the goal for every child."
