Florida DOE Toughens School Grading Standards

Many parents and educators were dismayed when the state released its new school grades at the end of June. Thanks to a change in the grading system for schools, the number of Florida schools that received F’s nearly quadrupled from 2006 to 2007 – from 21 to 82 schools with failing grades. At the same time, fewer schools than last year were able to achieve A ratings, and many schools saw their grade slip at least one letter grade downward.

 

What happened?

 

In short, the state imposed new grading standards. Comparing this year’s scores with last year’s is like comparing apples and oranges. This year, for the first time ever, the grading calculation included the scores achieved by students on the Science section of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Essentially, this year the state said, “Okay, we’ve pulled up the statewide average on teaching reading and math. Now let’s see how we’re doing with science.”

 

The bad news is that we’re not doing as well with science as we do with reading and math. The good news is that schools now have a benchmark on which to build and improve. Despite the controversy surrounding the state’s school grading system, the numbers do help identify weak spots in school curricula – and the letter grades do give parents a starting point when they evaluate the job that a school does in educating their children.

 

For a more in-depth look read Florida School Grades