After nine years of FCAT, high schools aren’t better

After nine years of teaching to FCAT tests at every level, we should see FCAT scores improve at high school. The high school grades should improve because the students are so well-versed in the FCAT. Of course, it’s not happening.

To compute a school’s grade the percentage meeting high standards in reading, math and writing; percentage making learning gains in reading and math; and percentage of lowest 25 percent making learning gains in reading are added together for a total school score. In 2007, percentage meeting high standards in science and percentage of lowest 25 percent making learning gains in math were added to calculation total points.

If we drop percentage meeting high standards in science and percentage of lowest 25 percent making learning gains in math, we can compare the total score to the years before those components were added to the school score.

Pensacola High School had last year the fewest total points in its FCAT history (after the adjustments), tying 2002-03 school year.

 

 

 

Pine Forest had its worst year ever after the adjustments:

 

 

So did Washington High – which gets students from some of the best elementary schools in the district:

 

 

 

Here are the other high schools