Virginia SOL passing cut scores are changing by subject and grade

What happened

The superintendent told the board that a 400 score will no longer be the passing SOL score for every subject and grade. Passing thresholds will vary by subject and grade under a four-year proficiency-plan phase-in running from 2025–2026 through 2029–2030.

Why it matters to families

Students and educators will be evaluated against different passing thresholds, affecting assessment expectations and how results are interpreted across the division.

The evidence

Approved August 10, 2026 minutes, Instructional Updates: the superintendent reported that each subject and grade will have different required passing scores under a four-year phase-in proficiency plan, with annual changes through 2029–2030.

The source