Third grade math, reading scores improve

Third grade math, reading scores improve

Test results were released Wednesday for Florida third graders in both reading and math on this year’s Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

Students posted gains in both subjects this past year. Statewide, 72 percent of third-graders are reading at or above grade level compared to 69 percent last year. In math, 76 percent are at or above grade level compared to 74 percent last year.

According to test results, Baker County saw the largest jump in their reading scores, going from 78 percent at or above grade level last year to 83 percent this year. In math, they moved up one percentage point to 85 percent compared to 84 percent in 2007.

Other North Florida counties fared well on the test as well.

Bradford - Reading scores were 69 percent at or above grade level up two points from last year at 67. Math made a huge jump up to 73 percent from 64 percent.

Clay County - Math and reading scores increased over last year to 87 percent proficiency this year for math compared to 84 percent in 2007 Reading climbed from 81 percent to 83 percent.

Columbia - This year 78 percent of Columbia County third grade students are reading at or above grade level from last year at 76 percent. Math- 83 percent from 77 percent in 2007.

Duval - In 2008, 70 percent scored at or above grade level in reading this year, last year’s total was 66 percent. Math percentages were at 71 percent compared to 65 percent last year.

Nassau County - Reading scores increased to 85 percent from 81 percent proficient. They improved in math with 85 percent of third-graders were at or above grade level in math, compared with 84 percent last year.

Union - In Union, 87 percent of third-graders were at or above grade level in math, the same as last year. In reading, 84 percent were proficient.

The reading test is especially important for students in third grade. Those who score low could be held back and not pass.

Math and reading scores for other grades are expected to be released within the next couple of weeks.