TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

County Third-Graders Shine On FCAT

ADVERTISEMENT

By MARC VALERO | Highlands Today

Published: May 21, 2008

SEBRING — More Highlands County third-graders scored at or above grade level in math and reading compared to the state average, according to Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test results released Wednesday.

However, about 146 third-graders, or 15 percent of the students, will have to pass another test after a summer reading camp to be promoted to fourth grade. They scored in Level 1 or the lowest level of the assessment scale.

Eighty-percent of the county's third-graders scored in Level 3 or above in math. Statewide, and last year in Highlands County, 76 percent had achieved that level.

In FCAT reading, that number was 74 percent compared to last year's 70 percent and this year's state percentage of 72 percent.

Lake Placid Elementary Principal Carole Disler was ecstatic at the results.

"We have fantastic news – 85 percent of our kids in third-grade scored a [Level] 3 or higher," on the reading FCAT, she said. "We have been celebrating all morning."

The students who scored a Level 3, 4 or 5 will be going to a pool party June 2 at Lake Placid High. Those who scored a Level 5 will take a limousine ride to lunch at Pizza Hut.

The percent of third-graders statewide who are reading at or above grade level has increased 15 percentage points since 2001 (57 percent) reflecting a positive eight-year trend, according to Florida Department of Education.

The percent of Hispanic third-graders performing math at or above grade level increased 3 percentage points this year (73 percent from 70 percent) compared to a 2 percentage point increase for white students (86 percent from 84 percent).

Also, the percent of African-American third-graders performing mathematics at or above grade level increased 4 percentage points this year (61 percent from 57 percent).

Beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, parents may view their students' scores via the FCAT Parent Network (www.fcatparentnetwork.com) using the secure login and password provided by their school.

FCAT MATH
GRADE 3
Percentage of students who scored in Level 3 or above:
SCHOOL 2007 2008
Avon 85 77
Cracker Trail 82 86
Fred Wild 78 74
Lake Country 65 85
Lake Placid 81 81
Park 71 72
Sun 'N Lake 76 85
Woodlawn 76 82
Highlands 76 80
State 74 76

FCAT READING
GRADE 3
Percentage of students who scored in Level 3 or above.
SCHOOL 2007 2008
Avon 86 78
Cracker Trail 77 79
Fred Wild 70 61
Lake Country 61 76
Lake Placid 74 85
Park 64 63
Sun 'N Lake 63 76
Woodlawn 73 72
Highlands 70 74
State 69 72

Each score falls into one of five achievement levels (1 through 5). Level 3 is considered "on grade level." Levels 4 and 5 are considered above average achievement.
Source data from the Florida Department of Education.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT