State releases 2013/14 elementary and middle school grades; overall district grade increases from ‘C’ to ‘B’
Recently, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) released elementary and middle schools grades for the 2013/14 school year. Overall, according to preliminary data, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has seen District-wide improvement with the overall District grade increasing from “C” based on 2012/13 results to a “B” based on 2013/14 results.
BCPS increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of “A” by 16 schools in 2013/14, with 34 percent of schools now earning an “A” compared to 28 percent last year.
Notable achievements among BCPS elementary and middle schools:
• More than two-thirds 152 (67 percent) schools increased or maintained their school grade compared to 90 (39 percent) last year;
• Middle schools earning A or B grades increased 10 percentage points from 56 percent to 66 percent;
• Nine schools improved by two or more letter grades, including Sunland Park Elementary (D to A), Plantation Park Elementary (C to A), Bair Middle School (D to B) and Gulf-stream Middle School (C to A);
• Overall, the District’s grade improved from a “C” to a “B” because learning gains improved in reading and math.
“We are proud of the improvements the District is making. While we know there is a great amount of work to do, results indicate reasons to celebrate and opportunities to focus on those schools performing in the bottom quartile,” said Superintendent Robert W. Runcie, “The District will analyze the student-level performance data and will continue our relentless focus on ensuring all students are college and career ready.”
This is the final year school grades will be calculated using the current formula. The new grading system next year will support the more rigorous Florida Standards and the Florida Standards Assessment, which will replace the FCAT 2.0.
“The new grading system that will start next year will continue to be crafted with input from parents, teachers and educators,” said Commissioner of education Pam Stewart. “Its focus on student achievement and gains will help ensure a fair accountability system that helps measure student knowledge of the new Florida Standards.”
