WASHINGTON — Virginia students passed standardized tests at about the same rate this year as last, according to results released Tuesday morning.
About four out of five students passed tests in each of the major subject areas, which means about one out of five failed. The pass rate was slightly better on history and social science tests.
The pass rates across English (reading and writing), math, science, and history and social science tests also show significant achievement gaps based on students’ wealth or background.
In each of the broad categories, the 2016-2017 pass rate for students from very low-income families was 11 to 13 points lower than the pass rate for all students.
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Significant achievement gaps also persist on these tests for black and Hispanic students when compared to their white counterparts.
As in the past, a higher percentage of female students passed tests than males. Females outperformed male students in reading pass rates by six points, in writing by 10 points, and in math by four points statewide. Male and female students passed the science and history and social sciences tests at the same rates this year.
While overall pass rates are flat over the past three years, Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven Staples focused on previous improvements as schools adjusted to new testing introduced starting in 2012.
“This long-term, upward trend is far more important than a snapshot for a single year and reflects the hard work of thousands of teachers, principals and other educators and their dedication to helping students meet high expectations,” Staples said.