FSA reading, math scores released


  • June 10, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   education

The Florida Standards Assessment — the state standardized test that replaced the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) — scores were released on June 10 by state education officials.

Here's a spot check of scores in two important grade levels: third-grade reading and eighth-grade math.

Third-grade reading scores are used as a gauge of a child's progress through early elementary school.

It is an important milestone because after third grade, students must be able to read to learn. Grades K-3 are focused on teaching students the skills they will need to be good readers.

Overall 47 percent of students in grades 3-5 in Escambia County performed at or above the standard for grade level. The FSA is scored on a 1-5 scale; a score of 3 is considered proficient for grade level.

At 19 of the district's elementary schools, fewer than 50 percent of students met that mark.

2016 Florida Standards Assessment test scores in third grade reading for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Source: Florida Department of Education.

2016 Florida Standards Assessment test scores in third grade reading for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Source: Florida Department of Education.

Eighth grade math scores are considered a benchmark to gauge how students are progressing. They also are used as an indicator of whether children will be prepared for the higher-level math high school will require of them.

Here is how students in the Pensacola Metro Area fared.

2016 Florida Standards Assessment scores in eighth grade math for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Source: Florida Department of Education.

2016 Florida Standards Assessment scores in eighth grade math for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Source: Florida Department of Education.

Research indicates that students who are significantly behind at these two points are more likely than their peers to struggle to reach high school graduation. Without a diploma, those students will struggle to find meaningful work that will provide them with a good income to support themselves and a family.

A well-educated workforce, with the kinds of skills that employers look for, is one of the key tools to entice new businesses to come to a community, and to encourage existing businesses to grow locally.

Low levels of educational attainment have been linked in research to higher crime rates, poorer health levels, and lower wages.

To look at data from other grade levels and subject areas, click here.

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