Virginia students struggle with tougher math SOLs | News

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- SOL test scores released Tuesday show Virginia students were challenged by more rigorous math standards in the 2011-2012 academic year.

The data, compiled by the Virginia Department of Education, show mostly double-digit drops in the pass rates for Algebra, Geometry, and Mathematics in all school divisions when compared to the 2010-2011 academic year.

However, the full year 2011-2012 pass rates did show improvement when compared to exams administered in the first semester in high schools and middle schools following four-by-four block schedules, according to a news release issued by the DOE.

"While we have a long climb before we reach the achievement levels we hope to see on the new mathematics test, the results released today represent a good start and provide a solid foundation for further progress in 2012-2013," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia Wright in a written statement.

The Virginia Board of Education raised Virginia's mathematics standards in 2009. Last year's SOL exams were the first to reflect the increased rigor of the new standards, according to the release.

To see a full breakdown of SOL results by state, divisions, and schools click here.

More rigorous English and science standards will be fully implemented in the upcoming school year.

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