Friday, January 16, 2009

Evaluation system will drill down on Florida's high school data

Evaluation system will drill down on Florida's high school data
A newer, more stringent evaluation system could make it easier to take an in-depth look at what's happening on the campuses of Florida's high schools, according to The Orlando Sentinel. The new system, still under consideration and subject to revision, relies less on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and more on graduation rates and student success in advanced courses or on college-admissions tests. Once in place, the evaluation would be the most sweeping change since Florida started grading public schools in 1998, but it would impact only high schools, with elementary and middle schools continuing to be graded only on how students do on FCAT's math, reading, science, and writing exams. In simulations run by the Florida Education Department, many schools, both high- and low-scoring, would drop in their standings somewhat in the first year, but the agency says it will proceed with the new system nonetheless. "It will bring high-school accountability to reflect more what the schools are truly doing," said Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith. Many educators now have reservations, however, including those who had earlier called for an improved assessment system.
Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/education/orl-newgrades1109jan11%2C0%2C5473047.story

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