Fairfax County SOL Test Scores Up Slightly in Math, Drop in English and Science

By Jennifer van der Kleut 

Based on preliminary data released this week by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students continue to pass the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests at a higher rate than students statewide. 

VDOE revised Virginia’s English and science standards in 2010. SOL English and science tests administered during the 2012-13 school year were the first to reflect the increased rigor of the new standards.

According to FCPS representatives, test scores dropped in the "English: Reading," "English: Writing" and Science tests. 

"However, even in these subject areas, FCPS pass rates surpassed the state's pass rates in all grade levels and subjects, with the exception of [fifth-grade] science, which was four points below the state pass rate," FCPS representatives said in a press release.

The FCPS pass rate was the same as the state’s in end-of-course Chemistry and fourth-grade Virginia Studies.

FCPS pass rates exceeded the state's pass rates by 10 points or more in "English: Reading" in grades six, seven and eight and in "English: Writing" at grade eight. 

In addition, the percentage of students scoring "pass advanced" in "English: Reading" exceeded state rates by more than 10 points in grades five, six, seven, and eight, and in "English: Writing" for all grade levels assessed.

Mathematics standards were also revised in 2010, and the tests administered this past year were the first to reflect the new standards.

Overall, in FCPS, mathematics scores increased slightly in 2012-13.

Federal accountability reports, including student group and annual measurable objective (AMO) data, will be released by VDOE on Sept. 12.

Accreditation ratings for 2013-14 will be released by VDOE on Tuesday, Sept.24.