Hamilton County schools showed improvement in their FCAT scores for the 2006-07 year – as much as 20 percent for some grades. The FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) measures student performance in reading, mathematics, writing, and science based on criteria outlined in the Florida Sunshine State Standards (SSS).

All public schools are expected to teach students the content found in the SSS. Achievement levels on the FCAT Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Writing+ assessments demonstrate the success a student has attained on the SSS. Achievement levels are based on both scale scores and developmental scale scores, and range from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

According to Karen Mitchell, District Assessment Coordinator for the school district, Hamilton County schools showed an increase of students scoring Level 3 or above in reading for grades 4, 5, 7 and 8. Grade 3 had a significant drop from the 2006 scores, but statewide the decrease was six percentage points. The Department of Education is investigating the decrease in scores statewide.

In mathematics, Hamilton schools increased the number of students scoring Level 3 or above in grades 4, 8, 9 and 10. Science scores for Level 3 or above in grades 5 and 8 increased by 14 percentage points.

Hamilton schools showed a marked improvement in writing scores. Grade 4, 8 and 10 students take the Writing+ test each year. All grades showed an improvement with fourth graders scoring 11 points higher than the state average. Grade 4 increased by four percentage points from 2006. Grade 8 students increased by 15 percentage points and grade 10 students increased by 20 percentage points.

The district is working diligently with the schools, teachers, North East Florida Educational Consortium, and the Department of Education to continue to find ways to assist students in gaining the knowledge necessary to show student achievement on the FCAT, Mitchell said. Teachers are working on curriculum mapping in certain grades. Professional development is being provided to assist teachers in working with students in small groups and individually. Also, data analysis and action research training are being provided so changes can be made in the classroom that will benefit students.

Supplemental Educational Services will continue to be provided at each elementary school for the 2007-2008 school year. Tutor Vista, a free online tutoring service that was featured on the NBC Today show on June 14, will continue to be an option for parents and students.

The website – http://fcat.fldoe.org/ – provides additional information on scores, and information for parents, students and teachers. FCAT scores are available online via the FCAT Parent Network and in paper version at your child’s school. Once the scores have been reviewed, if you have any questions or concerns please contact the guidance counselor. You may also contact Mitchell at 792-6522.