FCAT grades released

The word relased says Florida schools experienced their most successful year to date, according to the 2009 school grades released today.

Driven by a significant increase in the number of "A" grades, more than three quarters of all public schools are considered to be high performing (receiving either an "A" or "B").  Statewide, the number of schools earning an "F" grade decreased to the lowest point in three years.

Mirroring the state's performance, Indian River, Martin and Palm Beach counties each increased the percentages of schools earning "A" grades this year. 

Indian River County saw a 22 percent increase (65 percent to 87 percent) in schools achieving a grade of "A," and no "D" or "F" grades.

In Martin County, the percent of "A" schools increased from 84 percent to 86 percent, while there were no schools receiving a "C", "D" or "F" grade.

In Palm Beach County, the percent of "A" schools jumped from 62 percent to 69 percent, and both of the lowest performing schools improved their letter grades (John F. Kennedy Middle School and Glades Central High School).

Each of these low performing schools received intensive assistance from the local school district and the state through the Differentiated Accountability Program.

"The consistently high performance of the students and faculty in the Treasure Coast continues to be a shining example for all of Florida's schools," said Governor Charlie Crist. "I couldn't be prouder of the success of our students in Indian River and Martin counties where for the second year in a row there are no low performing schools."
"These are tremendous results for our schools and they wouldn't have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our classroom teachers," said Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith. "These scores reflect that success is possible in every environment when we focus on academic achievement for all students."

Under Differentiated Accountability, the Department of Education established five regional directors with proven track records in turning around low-performing schools.  Together with the local school district, these regional directors provide hands-on assistance to help schools achieve academically.  Of the state's 39 schools receiving assistance through Differentiated Accountability this year, 16 schools improved at least one letter grade and 15 schools improved two or more letter grades with six schools jumping from an "F" grade to an "A."

Of Florida's 2,954 graded public schools earning "A" through "F" grades this year:

1,822 earned an "A" (62 percent), an increase of 237 schools compared to last year.
495 earned a "B" (17 percent), a decrease of 47 schools compared to last year.
420 earned a "C" (14 percent), a decrease of 145 schools compared to last year.
173 earned a "D" (6 percent), an increase of 18 schools compared to last year.
44 earned an "F" (1 percent), a decrease of 1 school compared to last year.
 

To view additional information about Florida's 2009 School Grades, click here. 

To view school grades and AYP results, click here