The ALL In VA initiative is proving successful as the Virginia Department of Education announced notable improvements in the Standards of Learning test results for the 2024-2025 school year.
Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and leaders from the Virginia Board of Education and Virginia Department of Education announced the improvements in SOL Math and Reading scores yesterday.
The improvements are noteworthy considering tests in 2024-2025 required students to demonstrate their ability to retain and apply knowledge of 30 to 40 percent more content in order to pass compared to last year’s test.
“Today’s test results, along with the best-in-nation reduction in chronic absenteeism, are a testament to the power of high expectations. Virginia now has more rigorous standards, a stronger assessment system that provides more useful information, and a more effective system to support student improvement based on what the data tells us. When we use data as a flashlight to guide improvement, we can help every Virginia student navigate the path towards success,” Guidera said.
ICYMI
- Youngkin announces plan to support students still struggling with COVID-19 learning loss
- Chronic Absenteeism Task Force to develop resources, distribute action plans in Virginia
- Virginia SOLs report details actions state must take to ‘advance student outcomes’
- National organization recognizes Virginia for reduction in chronic absenteeism in schools
The data showcases the positive impact of the ALL In VA initiative to improve attendance, accelerate literacy and prioritize learning in Virginia classrooms in 3rd to 8th grades.
“For the last three and a half years, we have undertaken an effort to transform education in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and to end the era of lowered expectations. This year, we significantly increased the rigor of our tests and expanded the content that students are expected to master. We challenged our students, and they answered the call. Scores in reading and math improved, particularly in the grades we have been targeting as part of our ALL In Virginia campaign,” Youngkin said.
According to Youngkin, Virginia students are capable of excellence and deserve an education system that meets their excellence.
“Today’s results are encouraging. While there remains much work ahead to fully close our ‘honesty gap,’ we see that as we continue on our great path of raising expectations and strengthening standards, Virginia’s amazing kids will continue to grow,” Youngkin said.
During their monthly meeting, the Virginia Board of Education received a deeper dive presentation, as well as taking next steps to close the “honesty gap” defined as the spread between student scores on the Nation’s Report card produced by the National Center for Education Statistics and the Commonwealth’s own assessment.
The board will also discuss the department’s efforts to provide proven approaches, tools and resources that are available for schools that need to improve their academic outcomes and further advanced their highest performing students.
“The encouraging results we are releasing today are brought to you by Virginia’s dedicated teachers, instructional coaches, school leaders, engaged parents and family members, and, most of all, her outstanding students. From Virginia’s comprehensive policy levers enabling innovation and seat time flexibility, to expanding use of high-quality instructional materials and rethinking use of space and time to work for students, Virginia is moving forward together to get the job done on behalf of these kids,” Gullickson said.
All In VA invested more than $418 million in school divisions to reduce chronic absenteeism, accelerate the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, and institute intensive tutoring to address learning loss that resulted from COVID-related school closures. The Youngkin administration has conducted a comprehensive overhaul of Virginia’s accreditation and accountability system to ensure that parents, teachers, policymakers and citizens know how well every school is serving every student. The new School Performance and Support Framework will provide more detailed information on school performance and clearer understanding of the areas in need of improvement.
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Rebecca Barnabi
