SOL Standardized Tests: How Fairfax County Public Schools Performs

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Public Schools' performances on the Standards of Learning standardized tests held steady in three subjects but had an overall decline in three subjects.

The Virginia Department of Education released Standards of Learning standardized test results for 2023 Thursday. Statewide results show overall rates remaining the same for reading and writing, increases for math and science and one percentage point decrease for history.

However, the Virginia Department of Education raised concerns about significant numbers of students in the "low proficient" level that may have failed before passing cut scores were lowered between 2018-2019 and 2020-2021. Achievement gaps also remain among certain student groups.

Fairfax County Public Schools had a 78 percent pass rate for English reading compared to 79 percent last year. The math pass rate was 75 percent, up from 74 percent last year. The science pass rate remained the same at 72 percent. Those rates were all higher than the state average.

FCPS saw declines in writing from 78 percent to 57 percent and history from 77 percent to 62 percent. The state average for writing and history was 65 percent.

Student achievement gaps are evident in FCPS and statewide SOL results. In English reading, Hispanic students have a 55 percent pass rate compared to 71 percent of Black students, 88 percent of Asian students and 89 percent of white students. Students identified as English language learners have a 31 percent pass rate, compared to 51 percent of students with disabilities and 56 percent of economically disadvantaged students.

In math, Hispanic students had a 53 percent pass rate, compared to 64 percent of Black students, 86 percent of white students and 89 percent of Asian students. English language learners had a 41 percent pass rate, compared to 48 percent of students with disabilities and 55 percent of economically disadvantaged students.

FCPS said in a statement its assessment data "remain steady and in line with state and local post-pandemic data trends." In the post-COVID era, FCPS and the state saw assessment growth, but that growth leveled off this year.

The school division acknowledged the impacts to Hispanic, economically disadvantaged and English learner students due to reduced in-person supports during the pandemic. The FCPS strategic plan for 2023-2030 calls for expanding targeted academic supports.

"Our new strategic plan has a laser focus on improving student achievement, excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every student," said Superintendent Michelle Reid in a statement. "Through this lens, we will resolutely maintain high expectations for student achievement, attendance, and conduct as we continue to review and strengthen the effectiveness of our instructional programs and divisionwide infrastructure."

Another concern noted by FCPS and the Virginia Department of Education was chronic absenteeism. The state noted math and reading SOL pass rates were lower for students with less attendance. For example, the pass rate for reading was 73 percent for students missing less than 18 days of school, 47 percent for students who missed up to 27 days and 37 percent for students who missed up to 54 days. A statewide attendance campaign is being conducted to raise awareness about attendance and reducing barriers to attendance.

"As part of this work, FCPS will continue to work with families and students to understand the strong connection between attendance and academic performance," said FCPS in a statement.