M-DCPS Students Outpace Students Statewide on FCAT Writing+

Miami – Miami-Dade County Public Schools students made good gains on the Spring 2008 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Writing+ results as reported today by the Florida Department of Education.

            Miami-Dade County Public Schools students’ total scale scores in the Writing + increased in all grades tested from 2007 to 2008, and consistently outpaced growth statewide by as much as 17 points in grade 8.

            Additionally, Miami Edison, Miami Jackson and Miami Northwestern senior high schools, which are in the School Improvement Zone, increased their percentages of students scoring at the proficiency level by 11 points over last year.

            Fourth-grade students outperformed students statewide across all measures:  essay scores, total scale scores, and percent scoring in levels 3 and above.

            Eighth-grade students’ scores met those of students statewide.  And, while a sizable increase was observed in the average total scale scores for 10th-grade students, both these scores and the average essay scores fell only slightly short of students statewide.

            The percentage of students scoring a 3.5 or above on the essay portion increased in grade 8, and remained stable in grades 4 and 10.

            Overall, the average combined essay scores increased for fourth graders, remained stable for eighth grade students, and decreased slightly for 10th-grade students.

            “We are constantly hearing from the business community, as well as from our colleges and universities, about the need for good writing ability,” said Schools Superintendent Rudy Crew. “We are proud to see the progress our students are making on this important skill.”

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08-JJS/304/HD

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