Science on the FCAT; More Fs?

Changes to this year’s FCATs, including the importance of the science tests, are prompting dire school grade predictions.

There could be a record number of failing schools in Duval County and around Florida this year unless local school districts find a way to improve student achievement in two categories being added to the school grading formula.

Science achievement and learning gains for the lowest-performing students in math will be calculated into school grades for the first time, based on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test that begins next month. Science has been included on the FCAT for several years, but those results were not factored into school grades.

The grading change threatens to lower school scores dramatically in Duval County and across the state, according to projections compiled by the Florida Department of Education that applied the new formula to last year’s scores.

Local school officials say they are aware of the projections and are working hard to minimize any decline in school grades.

However, there have been setbacks.

This month, the School Board approved $106,000 to purchase fourth-grade science textbooks for fifth-grade classrooms after teachers complained that textbooks purchased last summer for fifth-graders did not adequately prepare them for the FCAT.

The main concern is the science test, which 11th-graders will take in roughly six weeks. To spur improvement, Brennan implemented weekly FCAT mini-lessons so students can review materials that may appear on the exam.

“It’s a lot of science but we have to get it into them before the test,” he said.

About Brandon Haught

Communications Director for Florida Citizens for Science.
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