Jun 1, 2007 2:59 pm US/Eastern
Third Graders Show Better On 2007 FCAT
TALLAHASSEE (CBS) ―
Florida third graders performed better on the state's standardized reading test last year than they did this year, even after factoring in that the 2006 test was too easy, state education officials said Friday.
After reviewing identical questions on both Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests, officials determined that third graders answered more of those ones correctly last year, acting Education Commissioner Jeanine Blomberg told educators from around the state who convened to resolve problems with the test.
Education officials still did not know how much better students performed last year, because they are still re-evaluating the results. They could not immediately provide more details on the scoring improvement last year.
Last month, the state disclosed that the easier questions on last year's third-grade reading test resulted in inflated grades for many students and their schools and the promotion of some pupils who should have been held back.
The faulty results from 2006 showed 75 percent of third graders scored at or above grade level, a dramatic increase from 67 percent the year before and the highest percentage for any grade level in any subject in any year. This year's result was 69 percent.
The issue rekindled a smoldering debate over placing so much emphasis on the FCAT, which is used to grade students, their schools and their teachers.
"The credibility of the FCAT is being challenged," said Robert Lange, a retired college professor and member of the Florida Coalition for Assessment Reform.
Despite the low test scores, Blomberg maintained the value of accountability tests like the FCAT.
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
