MIAMI-DADE LEADS STATE IN READING AND MATH GROWTH, BRACES FOR LOWER SCHOOL PERFORMANCE GRADES

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS ) outperformed the state in cumulative growth across all grades tested in reading and math, according to Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) information released by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) today.  At the same time, schools are bracing for lower school performance grades because of elevated cutoff scores set earlier this year.

“We know that our students are learning and scoring better, and for that we must thank our teachers and administrators” said Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.  “But because of the State’s newly-elevated standards, we may not see that reflected in individual school grades later this year.”

Overall, in combined cumulative growth for all grades tested in reading and math, M-DCPS performed at nearly 10 times the state’s rate, and also performed better than neighboring counties.   M-DCPS beat the state’s cumulative average in reading by 12 points and was five points higher than the state’s cumulative average in mathematics.

The FLDOE released an unprecedented amount of FCAT data today, including grades 4-10 reading, grades 4-8 math, grades 5 and 8 science, and end-of-course exams in algebra, geometry, biology, and U.S. history.  The most important information for schools is contained in grades 3-10 reading and grades 3-8 math.    

Among other results, in grades 7-12 algebra, Miami-Dade outpaced the state’s growth in four of six grades and exceeded the state’s performance in three of six grades.  In biology, Miami-Dade outperformed the state in three of five grades.  Miami-Dade matched the state’s performance in geometry in two of five levels, but recognizes that more work is needed.

Editor's Note: See attached chart.

# # #

13-JS/141

Back to News Releases