"Alternate assessment" is the euphemism for the testing program for the kids whose disabilities are not consistent with the regular SOL tests. The euphemisms continue into the scoring: Under the AA program, a failing score is called "needs improvement." A passing score is called "passed proficient" and an advanced pass is called "passed advanced."
Here, for example, are the scores for the State, Chesterfield, Henrico, Norfolk, and Richmond for the English test, with the categories translated into plain English:
| Fail | Pass | Advanced | |
| Chesterfield | 7 | 64 | 28 |
| Hanover | 0 | 37 | 63 |
| Henrico | 6 | 63 | 30 |
| Norfolk | 5 | 49 | 45 |
| Richmond | 16 | 67 | 17 |
| State | 7 | 53 | 40 |
They report the scores as percentages. Thus, 7% statewide flunked the English test statewide; 16% of Richmond kids flunked.
Here are the same data in graphical form:
As you see, Richmond had a failure rate over twice the state average and an advanced pass rate only 42% of the average. Compared to our peer, Norfolk, the Richmond scores look even worse.
The data for Math, Science, and History tell the same, dismal story:
To get those awful test scores, we pay $2,704 per kid more than Norfolk and $1,945 more than the State average.
Why do we put up with this?