RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia education officials say the state’s new, more rigorous mathematics tests proved to be a challenge for students during the last school year.

The state Department of Education on Tuesday released Standards of Learning figures for the 2011-2012 school year. It was the first in which students were tested under revised math standards aimed at better preparing them for college or post-graduation employment.

As expected, overall math test results were down notably from the 2010-11 school year. But education officials said the rates provide a “solid foundation” for future achievement.

Officials said statewide pass rates for English, science and history assessments stayed relatively flat, with some improvements.

Virginia will release its annual accreditation ratings based on test results and other measures next month.

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