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Most Hillsborough County high school grades drop

Tribune file photo by JAY CONNER

Statewide, the number of A schools increased 62 percent to 1,822. The state also touted its success in turning around low-performing schools such as Sulphur Springs Elementary.

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By ADAM EMERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 18, 2009

Updated: 06/18/2009 11:46 am

TAMPA - While Hillsborough County elementary schools showed improvement on the state's report card released today, most of the school district's high schools dropped at least one letter grade, and only one improved.

Newsome and Sickles high schools maintained their A grades, but eight of the county's high schools either stayed at or dropped to a D, mirroring a downward trend seen throughout the state.

At the elementary level, though, two historically troubled Hillsborough County schools the state has been watching showed success.

Sulphur Springs Elementary, a school the district had to turn around by order of the state, improved last year's F grade to a B.

Just Elementary, whose grade on the state's report card has alternated between a D and an F since 2005, improved to a C this year.

One of the biggest jumps was at the USF/Patel Partnership Elementary, which last year was a failing charter school run by the University of South Florida. Now under the school district's control, the school earned an A this year.

Statewide, the number of A schools increased 62 percent to 1,822. The state also touted its success in turning around low-performing schools such as Sulphur Springs.

"These scores reflect that success is possible in every environment when we focus on academic achievement for all students," Florida Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith said today in a written statement.

The report cards are based on results from the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, which were released to the public late last month.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285.

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