NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — K-12 students attending public schools in Virginia will soon face tougher academic expectations when taking SOL (Standards of Learning) exams.

The Virginia Board of Education recently voted to raise SOL cut scores — the minimum scores needed to pass — in reading and math.

Dr. James Graves, a teacher at Denbigh High School and the President of the Newport News Education Association , says he's concerned.

"You want to raise the bar. First, let's find out what's wrong, and then get those resources for the kids to make sure they comprehend better," said Dr. Graves.

SOL scores are graded on a scale of 0 to 600. Under the Virginia Department of Education's current standards , a minimum score of 400 is needed for "acceptable proficiency" while scores of 500 and up

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