Shenandoah County schools could land in the state’s new “on track” accountability category once growth scores are released this fall, but looming changes to SOL cut scores may sharply depress pass rates even if achievement holds steady.

The results presented during Thursday’s school board meeting are preliminary, because the state has not yet provided reading and math growth scores. Director of Instruction Monica E. Hinegardner told the board those numbers are expected in October, and they could significantly lift schools that currently fall short. Each school can gain as many as 20 to 25 additional points from growth measures — enough, she noted, to push up an elementary school like Sandy Hook from 64.47 points into the “on track” category, or to elevate middle schools from "on track" to

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