Virginia is preparing to replace the statewide SOL assessment contract that has governed testing since 2005. The rebid arrives as the state raises proficiency expectations, changes score reporting, and prepares for a complex transition into 2027–28. For district leaders, the immediate question is how to prepare local systems, staff, budgets, and communications before the new platform and requirements take effect.
This week’s deep dive covers:
Why Is Virginia Reopening Its SOL System After Two Decades?
What Must Virginia Preserve During the Transition?
What Should District Leaders Do Before the New System Arrives?
1. Why Is Virginia Reopening Its SOL System After Two Decades?
Virginia’s decision to rebid its statewide Standards of Learning assessment contract closes one of the longest-running chapters in the state testing market. On July 27, 2026, the Virginia Department of Education issued an RFP for a contractor to redesign and administer the SOL assessment system beginning in the 2027–28 school year. The selected vendor will be responsible for the full statewide program, including test development, online and paper administration, scoring, reporting, accessibility, and the technical infrastructure used by school divisions.
The current arrangement dates to October 2005, when Virginia awarded the contract to Pearson. At the time,
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