FCAT writing scores released

The first round of this year’s FCAT scores were released Thursday and Florida students did better this year than last year on the writing portion of the standardized test. Area students in general did better than the state average.

Students in the fourth, eighth and 10th grades take the test, which requires an essay and asks multiple-choice questions on topics such as grammar, punctuation and spelling. Only the essay, where most students excel, counts toward a school's letter grade.

Statewide, 77 percent of fourth-graders, 88 percent of eighth-grades and 78 percent of sophomores scored passing marks of at least 3.5 on a 6-point scale.

The Department of Education combines scores from both sections to determine how many students could do grade-level writing. As in recent years, most students did well on the essay section, which has been given since 1993, but many struggled on the newer multiple-choice section.

Next year, Florida students will have to prepare only for the essay test. The state is dropping multiple-choice questions. Though both parts of the test were designed to measure writing skills, students are excelling at the essay portion and struggling with multiple choice.

Scores for math, reading and science FCAT exams are expected in the next month or so. School grades are expected in July.

The FCAT has come under fire for being "too important" say opponents of the test. They cite "FCAT frenzy" comes with such activities as rallies and practice tests and the stress level it causes both students and educators. Good scores are used to reward and sanction student, teachers and schools. High school students must pass it to earn a regular diploma and it determines whether third-graders are promoted.

High FCAT scores can mean cash awards for schools and bonuses for teachers. Failing grades can result in administrative shake-ups. That’s one reason Florida lawmakers have passes bills forbidding the rallies and practice tests during regular school hours. Now schools will be assessed on other factors as well including graduation rates, college entrance tests and participation in advanced classes.

Baker County

It was good and bad news for Baker County schools with two out of the three tested levels making big jumps in the writing portion of the test.

The combined percentage of students rated as proficient - meaning they scored a 3.5 or higher on the 1 to 5 grading scale - rose 10 points from 63 to 73 among fourth graders in Baker County and 11 points from 75 to 86 among eighth graders.

Baker County High School’s scores dropped six percentage points from last year. The percentage declined in grade 10, from 81 in 2007 to 75 this year.

Bradford County

In Bradford County, fourth graders moved up one point from 79 to 80 percent passing this year. Eighth graders and sophomores dropped slightly. Eighth grade from 71 to 65 percent and 10^th grade from 77 to 72 in 2008.

Clay County

Clay County fourth graders dropped three points from 77 in 2007 to 74 this year, however 8^th graders moved up two points to 87 percent scoring passing marks in 2008. Their 10^th grade scores were the same as last year remaining at 79 percent.

Columbia County

Eighty-five percent of fourth grade student in Columbia County scored at least 3.5 on the writing portion of the test this year compared to only 75 percent last year. Eighth graders scored 78 percent this year up four points from 74 last year and 10^th grade students, 72 percent from 65 last year.

Duval County

Duval County scored a small increase with eighth graders showing the most improvement, going from 84 to 87 percent. However, the percentage fell slightly in fourth grade going from 73 to 70 percent this year. Tenth grade proficiency dropped from 79 in 2007 to 76.

Nassau County

Nassau County scored near the statewide averages at each grade level. However, they posted a slight decrease in each testing level from last year. Grade 4 went from 84 to 78 percent; Grade 8, 92 to 94; and Grade 10 from 84 in 2007 to 79 this year.

Union County

Union put up some of the highest numbers in the area. Ninety-three percent of their fourth graders scored above the average this year compared to 87 percent in 2007. In the eighth grade, students scored 91 percent on the writing test up from 77 percent last year. Union County High School 10^th graders scored 74 percent down from 81 percent in 2007.