For Immediate Release:   May 8, 2008

 

Brevard Receives 2008 FCAT Writing+ Results

 

VIERA—The Florida Department of Education today released the 2008 FCAT Writing+ results. Overall in Brevard, eighth grade scores improved on all measures. Tenth grade and fourth grade performance was relatively stable compared to last year. The average fourth grade essay scores remained the same at 3.9, eighth grade went up 0.2 points to a 4.3, and tenth grade remained stable at 4.1.

The percent of Brevard students scoring at or above grade level on the FCAT Writing+ essay showed some fluctuation. Fourth grade declined three percent, from 81 percent in 2007 to 78 percent in 2008. Eighth grade increased five percent, from 85 to 90. Tenth grade declined one percent from 85 to 84 percent. At or above grade level is defined by students scoring 3.5 or above on a six point scale. The 3.5 standard is used by the state when calculating school grades, which will be issued in July this year.

“Overall, we are pleased with the results, but know we can do better,” said Superintendent Dr. Richard A. DiPatri. “We will be looking at any improvements we can make, particularly at the fourth grade level.” 

According to District officials, every school has a writing plan, and teachers have been instructed in rubrics to help students improve their FCAT writing proficiency. Manuals and other supporting curriculum material specifically target writing. Continuing professional development for teachers concerning FCAT writing has also been a priority.

The state has legislated changes in FCAT Writing+. Beginning immediately, the state has eliminated evaluation of tenth grade writing scores as a graduation requirement. This was the last year that the multiple choice portion of the test was administered, meaning that scale scores and achievement levels will no longer be reported after this year.

Parents can access their students’ FCAT Writing scores on the FCAT Parent Network beginning Tuesday, May 13 at 6 a.m., by visiting www.fcatparentnetwork.com. Parent passwords are being sent home by schools. If parents have questions regarding their passwords, they should contact their child’s school.

 

-BPS-