Area Schools Find Success On FCAT

By Michele Sager, Tampa Tribune, Fla.

May 14–TAMPA PALMS — Most area schools had a majority of their students pass this year’s FCAT writing test, with eighth-graders bringing in some of the highest scores.

The state Department of Education recently released 2008 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test writing scores. Hillsborough County eighth-graders averaged the highest score in the state. The district earned a 4.6 combined score out of a possible 6. The state average was 4.2.

In the Northeast area, the USF Charter School was the only school at which more than half of its students didn’t earn a passing score on the test. But the school did see improvement this year, going from 41 percent of students passing in 2007 to 45 percent of students passing in 2008.

At Terrace Community Middle School, 99 percent of the eighth-graders passed the test. Assistant Principal Kristine Bennett attributed part of the school’s success to a new training program.

“We trained teachers to focus on writing across the curriculum,” she said. “We focused on traits of writing in all our classes. So, the students may have to explain a strategy or write a narrative in science class, not just language arts.”

Principal Phildra Swagger was happy to see that 77 percent of 10th-graders at Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High earned a passing grade.

“This was our first year, and it can be tough for a new school to score well,” she said. “I’m pleased because it shows we’re right on the mark.”

Swagger said she expects the scores to be a draw for parents who might be shopping for a high school. The charter high school is in the midst of a massive push to recruit more families to the school.

The state is expected to release third-grade reading scores later this month. The rest of the FCAT reading, math and science scores should be released in June.

FCAT scores are a big factor when the state determines school grades, which are due in July.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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