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State Says FCAT Shows Improvement In Math, Science, Reading

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By MARILYN BROWN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 10, 2008

Updated: 06/10/2008 11:32 am

TAMPA – The state released its 2008 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test results for reading, math and science today, saying more students are performing at or above grade level in those subjects.

It will be Thursday before parents can view their children's individual test scores online, however, and weeks before districts make corrections and the scores are turned into grades for schools. Parents will need an access code from their school.

State Education Commissioner Eric Smith issued a written statement saying he is particularly pleased with reading and math results, Students continue to perform poorly on science, although they show improvement.

Smith, during a media briefing, noted a decline in fifth-grade reading scores. This year, 67 percent scored in the proficient range, compared with 72 percent in 2007. A consultant determined that drop is consistent with normal fluctuations, said Jay Pfeiffer, a deputy commissioner.

Overall, the percentage of students at the lowest reading levels has dropped dramatically since 2001, Smith said. There is still a lot of work to do, he said, since just 42 percent of high school students are reading at or above grade level and just 38 percent of them are achieving at or above grade level in science. Some 67 percent scored at or above grade level in math.

This year's high school students have taken FCAT since they were in elementary school.

Reading and math FCATs are taken by students in grades three through 10. Science is taken by students in grades five, eight and 11.

Results for third-grade reading and makeup tests for the 10th grade FCAT were released in May, since promotion to fourth grade and high school graduation require passing scores.

Schools' grades result in bonus money for those that maintain an A or improve a letter grade, and teachers can earn bonus money for their students' scores.

Hillsborough County officials said they will spend the day analyzing individual scores for schools. Overall, Hillsborough seemed to do well compared with other districts, said John Hilderbrand, the district's testing chief.

To view FCAT results, go online to http://fcat.fldoe.org/fcinfopg.asp.

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