2007 science FCAT scores

Florida’s science FCAT scores were released today. For those who don’t know, the FCAT is the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test given annually to all Florida public school children in grades 3 through 11. The FCAT is supposed to measure what students have learned about reading, writing, mathematics and science. The test results are a big deal, because each year all schools receive a letter grade based on these results. Of course, schools strive for As and Bs, but can really feel the heat from both the State and their local communities if they get Ds or Fs. Things get real bad if a school fails several years in a row, leaving the door open for the State to come in and take over the running of the school.

 

The science FCAT has been given to students in grades 5, 8 and 11 since 2003. For the first couple of years, the test was given to 10th graders, but 2005 it was moved up to 11th grade. Since 2003, the science FCAT scores were no big deal since they didn’t count towards the schools’ letter grades. However, this year they do for the first time. This has worried a lot of school districts since school grades can take a dip if the low 2006 science FCAT scores were any indication of what was to come in 2007.

 

For easy comprehension of the scores, the FCAT results are divided up into five categories. Students who score in levels 1 and 2 can be considered failing or real close to it. Level 1 means: “This student has little success” with the content. Level 2 means: “This student has limited success” with the content. Every student, parent and teacher hopes for level 3 and above. Essentially, level 3 means a student has some understanding of the material, but might not excel in the subject. Levels 4 and 5 are hit by those students who really mastered the material and know what the heck they are talking about.

 

The good news for 2007 is that science FCAT scores improved over all previous years. Fifth graders leapt from 35 percent being at level 3 or higher last year to 42 percent at level 3 or higher this year. That’s a very encouraging sign and shows a wonderful commitment to science education at the elementary school level. Eighth graders climbed 6 percentage points to 38 percent this year, and 11th graders inched up 2 percentage points to 37 percent passing at level 3 or higher.

 

The Florida Department of Education understandably likes to highlight such gains and tries to focus on those level 3 and higher percentages. However, shifting the focus to the other end of the level scale reveals the bad news. Well over half of our public school students don’t understand science. Take a look at the high school juniors: 63 percent scored at only levels 1 or 2.

 

The question here is why is science comprehension so low? I honestly can’t answer that. I have no doubt that in the coming years the science FCAT scores will get better, as they have in most other subject areas. But it’s discouraging to compare science scores this year to math and reading scores from way back in 2001. Even as low as the math and reading scores were back then, our science scores now are generally worse … much worse.

 

It’s going to take a continuing commitment on the part of every concerned Floridian to push science education into the spotlight both in the schools and in the public eye. Florida Citizens for Science is here to help in that endeavor. Our members are playing an active role in the review of the science section of the Florida Sunshine State Standards taking place this year. We are developing ideas big and small to publicize the importance of science education and help our students and their teachers. We are always open to ideas and assistance; so don’t be afraid to speak up!

 

Florida Department of Education: FCAT results link.