Category Archives: FCAT

Eight years later: Are Florida’s students still losing out on a solid science education?

Posted on June 13, 2017 by Brandon Haught

In June 2009, a full eight years ago, I wrote a column published in the Gainesville Sun with the pointed headline: Is science education important to Florida? Is science education important to Florida? That is a relevant question to ask … Continue reading →

Posted in FCAT, Our Science Standards | 2 Comments

Science assessment scores “remained consistent”? Seriously?

Posted on June 9, 2017 by Brandon Haught

The results are in for the many mandatory statewide tests Florida’s students take every year. Headlines in newspapers across the state emphasized language arts and math scores, which overall improved over last year’s results. That’s good news. But science? Here’s … Continue reading →

Posted in FCAT | Comments Off on Science assessment scores “remained consistent”? Seriously?

Statewide science scores … anyone out there actually care?

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Brandon Haught

Another year, another dismal performance on statewide science assessments here in Florida. Depending on grade level, students either took the science FCAT or Biology End of Course exam. Here’s the results compared to previous years’: Biology End of Course State … Continue reading →

Posted in FCAT | 1 Comment

Science FCAT 2012, nothing new

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Brandon Haught

FCAT science. Grades 5 and 8 (no more high school science FCATs with the advent of the Biology end of course exams): stagnant (pdf document, scroll all the way down to page 55 … yes, page 55, heck, even the … Continue reading →

Posted in FCAT, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Science FCAT 2011

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Brandon Haught

Results for Florida’s annual science exams taken by 3rd, 8th, and 11th graders were released today. The good news? Scores overall improved since last year. The bad news? The rise in scores is small, and 50 percent of our state’s … Continue reading →

Posted in FCAT | 7 Comments

Lawmaker wants to dump 11th grade science FCAT

Posted on January 20, 2009 by Brandon Haught

Today, House Bill 543, “Educational Assessment”, was filed by Representative Debbie Mayfield (R). The bill text indicates that Mayfield would like to see a major change to the science FCAT. Notwithstanding s. 1008.22, Florida Statutes, or any other provision of … Continue reading →

Posted in FCAT | 11 Comments

Science FCAT “Lessons Learned”

Posted on September 23, 2008 by Brandon Haught

The Department of Education announced today that they released a publication entitled “FCAT Science Lessons Learned: 2003–2006 Data Analyses and Instructional Implications” (pdf is here). This document was created by a Task Force that analyzed the data supplied by science … Continue reading →

Posted in FCAT | 3 Comments

More about the 2008 science FCAT

Posted on June 12, 2008 by Brandon Haught

I’ve received a few e-mails in response to my earlier post about 2008 science FCAT results. One person suggested that we take a look at those counties with school boards that passed formal resolutions against the teaching of evolution. Below … Continue reading →

Posted in FCAT | 3 Comments