Airon Grim, Chief Academic Officer

Email: airon_grim@surryschools.net

The Chief Academic Officer is responsible for providing leadership and assistance to the superintendent, assistant superintendent, building administrators, and teachers in the analysis and use of data, use of research-based instructional strategies, and the development of meaningful assessments.

SCPS’ notification of parent rights regarding state and LEA assessments is linked below. This notification along with parent notifications of testing is provided to all parents every school year.

Notification of Parental Rights Regarding State and LEA Assessments

Understanding Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF)

The Virginia School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF) is the state’s accountability system designed to measure and support school performance. It evaluates key areas such as academic achievement, student progress, graduation rates, and attendance to ensure schools are meeting the needs of all students.

This framework helps identify schools that are excelling, as well as those that may need additional support and resources to improve. The goal is to promote equity, continuous improvement, and high-quality education for every student across the Commonwealth.

Please visit VDOE's website for more details on the SPSF

New Proficiency Cut Scores

In September 2025, the Virginia Board of Education approved higher cut scores for Virginia students on our Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in reading and mathematics. This will align Virginia’s proficiency cut scores with national benchmarks and ensure proficiency on state tests reflects student mastery of Virginia’s more rigorous academic standards. In December 2025, the Board approved a four-year, phased-in implementation of those higher cut scores, with the first increase in cut scores occurring in the 2026-2027 school year.

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/78254/639192751157576656

SB 200/HB 299: Highlights (2026–2027)

• Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) has been eliminated.

• Grades 7–12 testing must occur during the last two weeks of the course (with allowable exceptions).

• Parents will receive enhanced score reports within 45 days of the testing window closing.

• Additional changes, including SOL scores counting as 10% of grades, are projected for 2028–2029.

You will be able to review your child’s Student Detail by Question (SDBQ) Report for certain statewide assessments and, in most cases, you will be able to view a personalized video that accompanies the SDBQ Report for your child. This is a personalized video that provides an overview of the SDBQ report, explains specific details from your child’s SDBQ report, and directs you to resources on the Virginia Department of Education’s website (https://tinyurl.com/VAparentpage) to assist with your child's academic needs.

To create your Virginia Assessment Parent Portal account, follow the instructions provided in the attached user’s guide, as well as the details provided in the letter you received.

NEW Parent Portal User Guide

State law requires testing under the Virginia assessment system for students in grades 3-8 and high school. Certain students with significant cognitive disabilities who meet the criteria are instructed on the Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) and the Virginia Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOLs). These students are assessed under the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) and do not participate in Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. Families are notified when a student is identified to participate in VAAP. Official student results are distributed to families by the end of August.

Certain students with significant cognitive disabilities who meet the state criteria are assessed using VAAP for subject areas identified for state testing. Families can learn more about VAAP testing in the following notification letters:

The notification of testing letter explains to families the different formats the VAAP takes depending on the grade level and content area.