Highlands FCAT scores trail state averages

While some Highlands County grade levels showed improvement on the state assessment test, the math, reading and science scores released Thursday show the county below the state average at every tested grade level.

For example - the average Highlands County fifth-grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test reading score improved from 297 in 2008 to 301 in 2009, but trailed the state average of 311 in 2009.

Also, the Highlands County 10th-grade average reading score improved from 292 in 2008 to 294 in 2009, but trailed the state average of 305 in 2009.

The Florida Department of Education reports the test results show a greater percentage of Florida students are performing at or above grade level in reading and mathematics compared to all test years since 2001.

Also, more students in grades five and eight are performing at or above grade level in science compared with previous years.

The results also indicate a closing of the achievement gap between minority and white students in elementary reading, as well as middle and high school math.

"The overall academic progress of our children is a direct result of the phenomenal work of our teachers who sacrifice daily to ensure their students are successful," said Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith in a prepared statement. "While our high schools have room for improvement, I'm confident that our continued efforts to ramp up the college and career readiness of our students will result in higher achievement and a desire for every student to excel beyond expectations."

Statewide, only 42 percent of the ninth- and 10th-grade students scored at or above grade level in reading and only 37 percent of the 11th-graders scored at or above grade level in science.

Individual student score reports will be available to parents at each school district after June 5, according to the FDOE.