TALLAHASSEE – June 5, 2012 - 12:30pm -
It appears most Florida fourth through eighth graders rose to the challenge of more difficult testing in reading, math and science this year.
The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT, results show students did better overall than expected in reading and math when measured on this year's more demanding standard.
In reading, 59% of students are performing at or above grade level in fourth through eighth grade. It's a slight increase compared to 57% last year. Math shows similar numbers. 57% performed at or above grade level on this year's more difficult test. Last year it was 56%.
FCAT Results for grades 5 and 8 in science were released today.
Those scores show 51% of fifth graders performing at or above grade level.
46% of 8th graders performed at or above grade level in science.
State education leaders are clearly more pleased with this latest round of scores than previous ones. Writing scores were so low, Florida's Board of Education passed an emergency rule to reduce the passing grade.
FCAT scores are a major factor in school grades expected to be released in about a month.
The "A" through "F" grades are used to reward and sanction schools.
TALLAHASSEE – June 5, 2012 - Noon -
Florida’s students continue to exceed expectations on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0). Today’s results for FCAT 2.0 Reading and Mathematics show that students did better than expected overall when measured on more demanding standards. The 2011-12 school year is the first time that new Achievement Levels are in place for FCAT 2.0 Reading and Mathematics.
“Florida is leading the nation by preparing our children for more challenging Common Core Standards and assessments. I applaud our students and teachers for their inspired efforts,” said Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. “Our state has spent more than a decade reforming public education and we know that sound transition takes time and patience. Florida’s children will compete for the jobs of tomorrow and we must do everything possible to ensure that they are ready. We cannot be fearful of change and the ambitious goals set before us. We will meet them together and I am confident that our students are on the path to success.”
In both reading and mathematics, students performed better than expected based on applying the new higher standards to 2011 performance data. Results for 2012 FCAT 2.0 Reading show that 59 percent of students in grades four through eight are performing at Achievement Level 3 and above (compared to 57 percent in 2011*). In FCAT 2.0 Mathematics, 2012 results show that 57 percent of students in grades four through eight are performing at Achievement Level 3 and above (compared to 56 percent in 2011*).
Results for 2012 FCAT 2.0 Science for grades five and eight were also released today. These results show that 51 percent of students in grade five performing at or above Achievement Level 3, and 46 percent in grade eight. Results for 2012 FCAT 2.0 Science are reported as FCAT Equivalent Scores. This means that student scores were measured using the existing FCAT Achievement Level scoring table. Scores on the new FCAT 2.0 Science achievement scale will be available beginning in 2013.
While the state does not base grade promotion or student progression decisions on the FCAT 2.0 results released today, individual districts may have progression policies tied to the scores. As a valuable indicator of student achievement, FCAT 2.0 scores give parents and educators the ability to make informed educational decisions.
In December 2011, the State Board of Education reviewed data showing the impact of new achievement levels on students and schools. Based on the data and feedback from educators, parents, and community members, the State Board raised the expectations for Florida’s students and set new achievement levels for FCAT 2.0. To view information about the new achievement levels for FCAT 2.0 Reading and Mathematics, visit http://fcat.fldoe.org/fcat2/pdf/spring12ffs.pdf.
Today the Florida Department of Education released results of the 2011-2012 FCAT for fourth through eighth grades in Reading, Mathematics and Science. Leon County Schools was above the state average in every grade for all subjects areas.
Scores decreased throughout the state as a result of the State Board’s decision to change proficiency levels.
The following tables show the percentage of students scoring Level 3 and above by grade and exam:
4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
Leon Schools 65 65 62 61 56
State 62 61 57 58 55
4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
Leon Schools 64 64 56 61 58
State 60 57 53 56 57
Leon Schools 54 51
State 51 46