MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS OUTPACE STATE ON THIRD GRADE FCAT RESULTS DESPITE INCREASED STANDARDS AND DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBER OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Miami-Dade County Public Schools third graders today posted results in mathematics and reading on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) that outpaced those of the state.  The strong results were made in spite of tougher exams, higher passing levels, and a disproportionate number of English language learners (ELL) in Miami-Dade’s public schools.

In reading, the percentage of Miami-Dade students achieving passing scores in levels 3 - 5 increased by one percentage point, while their counterparts across the state decreased by one percentage point.  In mathematics, Miami-Dade students earned a passing score at a rate of 60 percent, compared to 58 percent statewide.

Today's FCAT results are critically important because third graders need a passing score in reading to move on to fourth grade.  Without a passing grade, students risk retention in grade 3.

“Although we are rightfully proud of  the performance of our students and teachers, it is  anticipated that despite these outcomes, school performance grades may suffer because of the increased standards and the inclusion of English language learners in this year’s formula,” said Miami-Dade Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho.  Miami-Dade serves approximately 70,000 ELL students district-wide, or nearly three times the numbers served by other large districts in the State.  Third grade ELL students who have received services for two years are held to the State’s mandatory retention requirement set for native English speakers despite research studies that show longer periods of time are required for full academic fluency to be attained.     

Florida’s Commissioner of Education issued a warning earlier this year, saying that student scores and school performance grades would be lower because of increased standards. 

This marks the first time that first-year English language learners and students with disabilities will be held to the same standard as other students and have their scores included in school performance grades, which are expected to be lower. The new FCAT standards are expected to have a disproportionate effect in Miami-Dade because of a high percentage of English language learners in the county’s public schools.

Earlier this year, the State Board of Education convened an emergency meeting to address a decline in writing proficiency and was forced to adjust the exam’s proficiency score.

School performance grades are expected to be released at the end of July.

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