Third grade FCAT scores are higher than state averages
The Florida Department of Education released the results of the 2012 third-grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) on Thursday, May 24, 2012. Reading and mathematics scores for Lee County Public Schools continue to exceed state averages in both areas, county school officials said. The District also outperformed every large district in the state except one in both reading and math.
“I am encouraged with the results released today, especially given the changes to how the FCAT is now scored,” said Dr. Joseph Burke, superintendent. “In reading and math we outperformed the state by a clear margin.”
This year the DOE adjusted the cut scores (i.e. minimum score needed to be proficient) for the FCAT (referred to as FCAT 2.0). Given these adjustments, it’s basically “starting from scratch” as past years’ performance cannot be compared to this year’s it’s two different sets of rules, making any such comparisons moot.
In Lee County, 59 percent of third-graders scored in Levels 3-5 in reading compared to the state average of 56 percent. The percentage of Lee County third-graders scoring in Levels 3-5 in math was 63 percent and outpaced the state average of 58 percentage.
The 2012 data represent all students, including exceptional education students (ESE) and students who are English language learners (ELL) with the exception of ELL students receiving their first year of ESOL services.
The students who scored Level 1 in reading will be given the opportunity to attend a summer reading program to improve their reading skills and be re-assessed at the end of this program. According to state law, these students will be retained in third grade unless they are eligible for promotion through good cause exemptions.
Paper reports will be available for pick up at the schools within the next month or so. Parents with questions should contact their child’s school.