Buzz: Easy A’s at Pine Forest High

The buzz in high schools in the area is how much easier it is for students to get A’s at Pine Forest, one of the county’s lowest performing high schools.

The school has shifted to Standards-Based Grading.

In a traditional 100-point grading system, grades are best of the student’s work throughout the semester: classwork, homework, projects, quizzes, and tests. The final grade is cumulative numerical average.

That’s out at Pine Forest. Under Standards-Based Grading: “Teacher created scoring guides that are specific to course standards and based upon the levels in the proficiency scale below will be assigned to individual assignments or assessments. Letter grades will be assigned periodically to communicate progression to mastery for parents and students and at the end of the grading period.”

A former Pine Forest teacher shared what he has heard from students at his new school: “They were talking about how they would like to go there because all of their friends say they are making ‘A’s’ and do not have to do anything.”

The teacher added, “This state is supposed to have an equal and fair education system. I do not understand how anyone who reads that document in its entirety can say that there is any thing fair about it. The system is no longer designed to educate the student, but to ensure that the school’s grade improves. ”

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Proficiency Level	Description	Descriptors for Students	Grade Equivalent
4: Advanced	Student demonstrates an in-depth understanding (mastery) of the standard/learning target by completing advanced applications of the standard/learning target.	I understand the standard/learning targets completely and can explain them in detail. I can independently demonstrate extensions and applications of the standard/learning target.  I can make connections between the standards/learning targets I have learned.	A
3: Proficient	Student demonstrates proficiency on the standard/learning target and meets all expectations of the course standard/learning target.	I understand the important things about the standards/learning targets I have learned.	B
2: Developing	Student demonstrates a basic understanding of the course standard/learning target.	I have a general understanding of the standard/learning target. I can correctly define, explain, and identify concepts.  I am progressing towards proficiency.	C
1: Basic	Student demonstrates little to no understanding of the course standard/learning target.	I need more instruction.  I do not understand the standard/learning target and cannot define related vocabulary. I need more support from my teacher.	D
0: Insufficient or no evidence of student learning	Student has not provided any evidence or work from which a judgement can be made to determine the student’s understanding of the course standard/learning target.	I have not completed any work nor have I demonstrated any understanding of the standard/learning target.	F or I

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2018-19 School Facts – Pine Forest

Of the Florida’s 393 non-charter high schools, Pine Forest was ranked #371 in total points earned.

English Language Arts Achievement: 33%

English Language Arts Learning Gains: 39%

English Language Arts Learning Gains of the Lowest 25%: 28%

Mathematics Achievement: 29%

Mathematics Learning Gain: 48%

Mathematics Learning Gains of the Lowest 25%: 47%

Science Achievement Social Studies Achievement:  48%

Graduation Rate 2017-18: 82%

 

Grades:

2019: C

2018: C

2017: D

2016: D