Tampa Bay high school grades follow state's downward trend

The state has released its school grades, which you can now find on the FLDOE web site and also tampabay.com's new school grades site.

The results show that high school grades tanked all over Tampa Bay, following a statewide trend.

In Pinellas, Gibbs High earned an F – the first for a high school in Pinellas and only the second ever for any Pinellas school.

Nine Pinellas high schools earned D’s, up from six last year: Boca Ciega, Countryside, Dixie Hollins, Dunedin, Lakewood, Largo, Northeast, Pinellas Park and Tarpon Springs. All in all, seven Pinellas schools maintained their grades from last year, while 10 dropped.

In Hillsborough, a similar story – 9 D’s, up from three last year (Armwood, Blake, Brooks-Debartolo, Chamberlain, East Bay, King, Leto, Middleton and Spoto.) Seven schools maintained their grades, while 18 fell, including three that dropped two letter grades (Freedom and Hillsborough, from A to C; and King, from B to D).

The only Hillsborough school that improved was Lennard, from D to C.

In Pasco, eight of 11 high schools saw their grade drop. Four - Gulf, Hudson, Ridgewood and Wesley Chapel - received D's. Only one high school, Wiregrass Ranch, improved its mark, from a C to a B, while Sunlake and Land O'Lakes held steady with B's.

In Hernando, both Central and Hernando high schools maintained their D's. Nature Coast Technical dropped from a B to a C, and Springstead remained a B.

Ron Matus and Jeff Solochek

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Comments

[FSM]

MJ

Amen.

[MJ]

Hills Co-teacher wrote, "Perhaps NOW the high schools- Pasco, Hillsborough & Pinellas districts- will GET SERIOUS about REMOVING the cell phones and IPODS from students ears and redirect the students' attention to the learning process."
You are so very right! The students have told me themselves that the phone is more important than the lessons being taught. Every time I turn my back the students are texting one another to find every detail of each other's life.
http://www.dumbestgeneration.com/media.html
Read this article by
Mark Bauerlein. "Kids communicate with friends 24 hours a day about every trivial detail of their lives, Bauerlein said. This immersion in the adolescent world is preventing young people from growing up, he suggested.

In addition, Bauerlein pointed out that constant texting, with its simple sentences and peculiar grammar, has reduced this generations' capacity to write cogent arguments, read dense texts and in general perform well as students. As many as 55% of high school students study or read no more than one hour per week, he added.

Bauerlein also expressed concern over statistics that show the number of young Americans majoring in science, math and technology has dropped over the last 20 years. A larger number of foreign born students are now seeking advanced degrees in these subjects, he said. This dramatic shift will eventually cause the United States to lose its intellectual edge to other nations, such as China and India, and ultimately diminish the country's economic power as well, Bauerlein warned."
I have tried to enforce the rule concerning phones in school with little
cooperation. Parents even text the kids in class.
My opinion, NO Phones IN School! Parents help us out, it all begins at home!

[Student in Pinellas county]

I just graduated from one of those D schools, and I can honestly say that our administration has done a heck of a lot of work to try to get things in gear. There is only so much you can do as an administrator before the parents get involved, and half the time parents don't even care. They are having to deal with the lack of parental involvement and responsibility more so than the schools that get A's' and B's. And what about all the great accomplishments this school receive for sports, and there specialized programs, and going to states for things. As an honors student I know how important grades are, but it's just a letter. It gives you know background history of why.

And another thing. These C and D schools we have in this area, are how the real world works. You go to a school where the students are given whatever they want on a silver platter. Thats not how the real world works. You go to one of these schools, and you culture, you see real people with real problems and they are dealing with it on a regular basis. Schools do all that they can to try and help these students. But once again the lack of parental responsibility comes into play again.

So you parents who are complaining, find something better to do with your time, and try doing something about it!

And teachers, Thanks.

[Oh shut up]

Hilarious.
Blame the high performing PCCA students for the rest of the students behaviour and lack of performance. The magnet kids are the only reason Gibbs hasn't been an F before!
PCCA students have been the constant butt of abuse from the "neighborhood" students. Students have been attacked, busses egged, studios and practice rooms vandalized and more.
Why would the PCCA kids want to associate with "classmates" like that. As more and more magnet kids go elsewhere Gibb's grades will go down down down then who will you blame? Same ol' same ol' excuses from the hood! It's not OUR FAULT, it's those goody goody kids who show up to do their work and learn!

[terminator]

Hill co teacher:
on that we agree (cell phones/ipods).
good luck on that.

that jellyfish you see floating in the gulf has more backbone than the collective backbone of your local school boards.

don't ever expect those folks to do what is educationally sound. why do you think our school districts are such a mess?

[Prudence]

When we speak of FCAT comparison from year to year it is difficult. The test creators change it every year. How do we know how to compare the results from one year to the next when the content changes every year? Florida dropped giving the Normative Test because of the "budget" Why is the Normative Test not good enough to use as a standardized test that is given to the rest of the country? Do we realize our students performed well on this test!? Why don't we purchase a standardized test from a professional company that knows what they are doing instead of leaving it to the Florida DOE!!!!! In this way we could compare results (apples to apples) from year to year. Has the FCAT ever been scrutinized meaning "validated" to ensure it does not have a disparate impact on any particular group of people?

There is no other education system in the country that teachers teach to the test like this state. Teachers are more interested in how their name will appear next to their FCAT results rather than ensuring the student is motivated to learn.

As a teacher, if we put forth more effort to teaching kids "how to learn" and providing motivating lesson plans that involve them we would probably see our FCAT scores rise without even mentioning you need to learn this because it is on the FCAT!

[Lorelei Lee "Hudson"]

D School Teacher is right! My N. Pinellas high school has a "D" for the 2nd year in a row, which is disheartening, beause it also had enough points for a "C", but is penalized by a whole letter grade if the lowest 25% of students improved, but not enough for the state to count. This means that just one student's grade is enough to lower the grade of the entire school. When we get them in high school, there are a very few students who are reading and writing only at a 5th grade level. No matter how many remedial reading/writing and math classes they take, they can not be expected to improve their reading to such an extent that they can also pass their high school level content classes. My daughter, who teaches 3rd grade in N. Pinellas says that even by third grade it is too late for her, meaning, that if they haven't learned to read by the end of 2nd grade, it's too late because in grade three they are expected to read for comprehension, not just for being able to sound out the words. So imagine when they get passed through the system, and promoted to middle and high school, what happens to the very small number that really, truly cannot read for comprehension? I get students in high school who hate to read- mainly because they struggle and can't really comprehend written text. I try to instill a love of reading in my students, but in a very few cases, the kids struggle mightily and just cannot perform.

[HillsCoTeacher]

Perhaps NOW the high schools- Pasco, Hillsborough & Pinellas districts- will GET SERIOUS about REMOVING the cell phones and IPODS from students ears and redirect the students' attention to the learning process.

Perhaps NOW the school administrators will start ENFORCING district behavioral rules for students and STOP coddling students by giving them "conferences" instead of punishments. WITHOUT meaningful behavioral modifications, these school grades will continue to slide, as the students continue to slack off.

Teachers can only teach to those willing to pay attention; teachers are not empowered to truly impact student misbehavior; administrators at the school and supervisory /district levels talk a good game, but these results (FCAT 2009) reveal their poor management skills and lack of real concern for the future of education, as they rarely are pro-active in changing the dynamic of the business they claim to be so concerned and involved in.

[dedicated but not a punching bag!]

Gilbert, you are my HERO!!!!!!!!! Seriously. A million thank-yous from a teacher who sees the truth every day.

[Smplyred]

Alternative schools are not always the answer just like prison is obviously not always the answer.

Gibbs was a great school years ago. Nothing against PCCA but that began when I attended and each year it appeared the "regular" students were just "fillers" where PCCA was considered Gibbs as if nothing else mattered. Newer, funds and so on went to that program first. Very few of the PCCA students even fraternized with anyone outside of the program; sometimes snubbing classmates. More and more the rest of the student body cared less and less. Add in kids from the area who were being "raised" by those who were kids themselves and now you have all the hoodlum issues people complain about.

There are all sorts of programs available in the community by the community but those who need it most are rarely motivated to participate. They come from people who gave up hope of change long ago and passed it like a disease to future generations; growing worse over time. Gilbert made good points but those needing to hear it aren't here reading the news and posting. We can lead them to "water" but we can't make them "drink".

Personally, the FCAT needs to be dumped. Seems it's been more of a negative impact than positive on an already troubled system.

[peter]

John, actually public schools offer more opportunities. They graduate plenty of excellent students, unfortunately we focus on the ones that are not so successful. Those 3 valedictorians from the same family all attended public schools and had an excellent education.
As we all know many things go into why a student is success full or not and it takes everyone's cooperation to fix it. Parents, community, students, schools etc ..

[Smplyred]

Gilbert a mouthful, unfortunately you are preaching to the wrong people. People can carry on about the hoodlums but if you aren't addressing the hoodlums themselves or their parents for that matter then it's all just hot air.
I attended GHS when the PCCA program came about. After graduation, because I still live in the area and had younger siblings I saw the change. It was as if the PCCA program WAS Gibbs - and the program participants segregated themselves from anyone NOT in PCCA. What was left for the other students but to stop caring? Down the line add in a generation being raised by children now look at it!

Say what you will but that school was predominately black when I attended and we had school pride, took our education seriously..there were no teacher slapping incidents, no teachers acting like the students were their peers, no disinterested principals.

It saddens me every time I read a negative story about the school system, especially when some see only an "undesirable" instead of seeing a child needing intervention because his family gave up hope for themselves as a people and passed on the disease. It's easy to just say "ship 'em all off". People have been trying to ship blacks off somewhere for years so shipping anyone anywhere isn't going to happen and isn't the answer neither are alternative schools.

Our community does what it can. Just remember before you judge the community as a whole that...we may be able to lead the horses to water but we can't make them all drink.

As far as the FCAT, as a parent I think it stinks! Seems to me it's made more of a negative impact on the system affecting not just poor students but good students alike.

[sam]

In Hernando there are only 4 high schools--Sprngstead gets a B--but gets to pull kids from the entire county for their IB program. Nature Coast gets a C--is a magnet school and also pulls kids from other schools. Which kids are left for Central and Hernando? Its so unfair. Also, Central is an ESE center school.

Anyway, my daughter goes to a school with a grade of D, and she's having a great high school experience--her teachers are awesome.

[John]

Thats why you send kids to private schools in florida -- Parents drive around in $30,000 dollar cars but wont pay to get their kids educated

[steve]

Hatetests,
You can't fix a problem if you don't acknowledge there is a problem!!
Instead of working to fix the problem (poor score on the test), you immediately want to blame the test.
All other schools took the same test. The teachers at this school knew exactly how their students would be tested. They've been given guidance on how to prepare their students for THIS test & they still failed. Seems there is CLEARLY a problem w/ the teaching, discipline, etc... Whatever it is- it's really foolish to blame the test. Problem will NEVER get fixed until people acknowledge there is a problem. It's like a parent always coming to the defense of their child even when the child is dead wrong. Child goes into life thinking everyone else has the problem -not them!!

[Mr.Fabulous]

Looking at this, it appears to be all about neighborhood (which means *family*). Parents are accountable and responsible for how well a child does in school and in life, schools are not.

[Wait For It.......]

Soon to be read in local media:

Districts claim responsibility for grades that go up - Districts blame students and parents for grades that go down!!

[formerstuden]

Sadly there seems to have been no change at this school. I'm a former PCCA student and that program was great, but any non magnet classes I had were horrible. The teachers didn't want to even be there, let alone teach. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I was forced to watch Lion King or Rudy and write a report on that as part of my "grade".

[dreams]

Hopefully, next year GIBBS will see a shift in their school grade. Guided by new leadership and a new set of paradigms to move the school forward, the administration must be vigilant in classroom walkthroughs, help faculty use best practices and implement innovative strategies where teachers can buy into sessions of guided practices, assisted by teachers who've been in the combat zone to help improve students' ability to think and write critically in a competitive and global society. As parents, concerned citizens, and stakeholders, we must play an integral part in joining the PTA and steering committee to shape and mold the way students learn in the classroom. GIBBS can do it and as a teacher, I am certain the administration can rise to the challenge. Gandhi said, "We must be the change, we wish to see in the world." Remember, every teacher brings a unique perspective to the classroom, solicit their input and make them feel a part of a winning TEAM!

[Joe]

Looks like Gibbs put the "F" in FCAT.

[hatetests]

Has any true analyst of data even bothered to look at the actual test bank questions relative to last year's, and see if they are unusually difficult?

Oh that's right, the holy FCAT bible questions cannot be the problem...and no one but the company who writes them knows.

I think all county administrators need
to get together and challenge the actual test before the new grading system kicks in.

For every constant variable for which data can control, there are any number of variables they cannot control......

CHECK the test itself.

[Gilbert Ford]

Just think, we allowed Jansenn to take the reins of Superintendent and this is what we get in return.

Former Gibbs parent @ 11:57, had it right.

We allowed the hoodlum kids to run the schools and these are the results. The African American schoolbord member that made the comment a few months back, "that the African American kids are terrible trying to intimidate the white teachers" was quickly hushed. Why? Because she identified the problem and said so. Janssen herself immediately distant herself from the comment. Shame on you Janssen. I will just bet the African American community banded together and spoke of their so-called sensitivity. I, am African American and the manner in which the majority of our kids (African American) act in school leaves a lot to be desired.

I am not a teacher/educator, just a concerned taxpayer, parent and someone that passionately cares about our kids.

Unfortunately, indiscipline, lack of respect, wanting to be cool and foolishness leads to test score results like these.

The scapegoat from my (African American) community is, "my child wasn't treated fairly!" To that I say, perhaps. In the interim, what did your child do to earn the "so-called mistreatment?"

Discipline, respect and personal accountability originates at home..."its a single parent home", tough, deal with the situation as it is! Quit looking for excuses to justify underachieving(ers).

[TYLKC]

The district and the administration at Gibbs did not even support each other for this school. Yes, PCCA students are great! Yes, they should be graded separately. But, the truth be known only the magnet school administrators will be coming back to Gibbs next year. Let's see if it really makes a difference. Will the administration work as a team and lead by example? They must work together in order for this school to do better.
The parents are also a LARGE factor. However, a lot of these kids are parents themselves and really have no examples to follow. People in the community need to realize just how important the children of our world are and help them way before high school. Study habits and respect for authority as well as one another needs to start and be continued throughout life. Hang in there Gibbs. You have nowhere to go but UP!

[g-high]

PCCA isn't going anywhere. Gibbs take pride in their school magnet program. People see Gibbs has G-Hood, there are problems but they're on a road of change. All of students are smart just don't apply themselves.

[G.Simmons]

No child left behind is a lie.The slogan should be "Lets beat them in the head with the FCAT until they give up"
You can not have every child leave with the same amount of knowledge when they did not begin with the same opportunities.

[Peter]

Gibbs does have some excellent students, it is a few that make life hard. I wish the ministers and community leaders would emphasize the importance of education to their people. SO many young black boys end up the wrong path, make education, respect and discipline a priority. Why do you think people from India perform so well, because it is the number one priority. Parents, and the community need to help out, schools can not do it alone. Support your school and get involved, make sure your child is prepared to come to school, don't wait for someone else to do it for you. School means showing up, doing homework, studying. Help them out and support, it it is their only way out of the life they are living now.

[M]

As a parent of a Gibbs student, I can say there are small group of excellent students that are there to learn. Unfortunately, there is a large group of disrespectful and disruptive students. The Code of Student Conduct is not enforced. At the recent graduation ceremony the keynote speaker actually made a joke about all of the time they spend chasing kids around campus who are skipping class. Jansen and other top officials need to move into Gibbs and send ten percent of the students to alternative schools within two weeks. The remaining students will shape up and learning will occur.

[Former Gibbs Parent]

Terrible administration has crippled Gibbs and the board turning it's collective back on PCCA has doomed it to failure. Since the new school was built its admin, and apparently the board has worked tirelessly to turn it over to the thugs in da hood. The good kids have been leaving in droves and the good teachers with them. What a shame, the school was a gem in the system just a few short years ago.
RIP PCCA.

[Anne]

Congrats to the faculty and staff of Hudson Middle School, for their two letter grade jump- from a C to an A!

[Paul]

Just another reason to get rid of all these Bush/Crist republicans who claim to be all for education.

Charter schools are failing, and now this?

Wake up Florida, We deserve much better.

[karen]

Gibbs was short by one point, which is probably one student's performance. The system is very punishing for schools with a tough set of kids. Pulling up the lowest 25% once they are in high school is a task that even the best teacher out there may not be capable off. At that point, kids do not want to be there and take fcat as a joke. The make up and background of the students has a bigger influence than the teachers do. High performing kids in a school with low performers will always have a bad grade. It does not reflect how good a school is at all.

[D school teacher]

All of Pasco County's D's were procedural, which means they all earned enough points for a C, but were docked a letter grade because their lowest 25% of students improved, but not enough for the state.

In fact, all of the D's had a higher raw score than River Ridge, which got a C.

What an absolutely ridiculous way to grade schools.