Higher percentages of seniors pass the FCAT

It's sad but true: FCAT scores for high school seniors who have to retake the test because they failed it in the past are never that good, and this year is no exception.

Statewide, 16 percent of them passed the reading portion of the test (up from 15 percent) while 32 percent passed the math portion (up from 26 percent), according to scores released this morning by the Department of Education.

Twelfth graders must pass both the reading and math portions of the 10th grade FCAT to graduate. They must also earn enough course credits and a passing GPA. Many who fail the FCAT also fail to meet the other requirements.

This year, 24,069 seniors retook the reading test, while 9,971 retook the math.

Here's the breakdown for Tampa Bay:

• Pinellas: 19 percent passed reading and 33 percent passed math.
• Hillsborough: 15 percent passed reading and 33 percent passed math.
• Pasco: 19 percent passed reading and 43 percent passed math (up 9 percentage points from last year).
• Hernando: 21 percent passed reading and 35 percent passed math.

Students have six chances to pass the 10th grade FCAT before they graduate, and can continue to take it as many times as they want after their senior year. They can also substitute comparable scores on the ACT or SAT.

Students who fail the FCAT (or fail to get a comparable score on the ACT or SAT) but who meet the other graduation requirements get a certificate of completion instead of a standard diploma.

To see the full breakdown, download this report. The FCAT Parent Network will be updated with individual student reports on Tuesday.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Comments

These resultss are a joke and a sad commentary on the state's educational system. I don't care how the politicians spin it...it is, at best, third rate and a failure of the Jeb Bush administration. Crist is doing no better as he tries to be all things to all people and refuses to take a stand on just about everything!

When I was in school, you had one chance to pass. If you didn't, security would escort you out of the building.

[David]

It is impossible to point fingers at the teachers on this one. Many of these students do not speak English, or are trying to learn it. Many of these student gave up years ago. The system is a mess, but the state and community asked for accountability in the education system and the only way that can be afforded is to give a once a year test to see if students learned anything...great job voters! I am from NY and try not to compare, but this is one time that we (in FLA) should copy their system and bring in the regents exams. Be tested each year on what you learned that year. This is a solution and one that I think is the best!

Who cares? Do prison guards, oops - "correctional officers" even need high school diplomas??? Certainly the parole officers do (they need college degrees), but since the State is laying them off we don't need to worry 'bout no stinkin' edge-u-kate-shun!!!!

Remember in November.

[mr. Smith]

State's educational system being sad? Huh? What am I missing?

Bro, it is the parents. I wonder how many kids that had to retake the test, went home and did homework. Wait, cant give homework. Ok, how about how many that retook the reading part went home and read? Or saw their parents read?

Bottom line is the kids dont care, their parents dont care, teachers gave up caring.

A teacher has a kid in class for FCAT reading, they sleep, they want to text, they dont want to do a thing and then they are going to complain about the system? Please

[To Mr. Smith]

You are so RIGHT! The kids that fail in today's low standards are destined to fail anywhere. They don't care at all. I have to stand over kids, and even then they just stare at the book. You can't pass the FCAT if you never read or write. It is also far too easy for kids to cheat now, with internet and each other. Reading and writing are essential skills and must be practiced on your own time too. Teachers can only do so much. I am responsible for 150 kids; parents are responsible for just one or maybe four these days.

You can't convince me that the kids' attitudes described here are unique to the State of Florida. They are common to school systems around the country. But somehow, and not by magic, many, many of these school systems consistently out-perform Florida. It seems to me that Florida educators need to take a hard look at themselves instead of finding fault with everything else. But then they would require some intellectual honesty.

[DM]

These states "out-perform" as they have lower standards to graduate. Kids who become readers and care (there are exceptions) can pass the test.
They allow cellphones in school. Kids spend hours talking on phones, at parties, and writing notes to friends. They spend little time doing what they need to do to pass (those who failed the test). Then they complain it is unfair. Give me a break. I see they have plenty of adults on here to enable them.
You get 6 chances to pass a test and all you need is a level 2 out of five.
Everyone blames the system when they should be looking in the mirror.
Heaven forbid we ask our kids to demonstrate basic reading skills. It is amazing.
How many of those who failed read daily? Read at home? Came to tutoring? NOT MANY. Stop enabling kids- let's move them forward and make them responsible.

Kids are not born not caring.

Kids who are not encouraged to read at home - odds are their parents don't care, or don't get it due to their own poor education, or are struggling so hard to make ends meet that they aren't there to care.

Kids who are allowed use cell phones in school and pass notes are in a school that does not care.

It doesn't matter which came first.

Basic reading skills are taught in schools by people who have been educated - ideally - in how to teach those skills. Expecting the parents who more than likely do not have that training to teach undermines the teaching profession. Is it hard, or are parents able to do it with no formal education? Do you need college or can a person with few skills accomplish the same goals?

Teachers teach. Parents parent.

Parents who do not parent do make it harder to teach their children. Those kids often lack basic social skills that would enable them to learn in a typical classroom. Most teachers are not able to deal with those kids; they don't have the time or the skills. It's not fair to the other students who are able to perform in a typical classrooms.

With all the reports from all involved about the behavior, the lack of ability, perhaps it is time to look at what the typical classroom is and if it is effective for most kids.

But implementing new techniques that work would cost money. It would take some time. And we're a band aid state.

Either adapt or get left behind. The kids don't fail the adults.