Linda Peirce, Supervisor of Assessment and Accountability, explained that school grades have been restructured and the data provided represented baseline figures. The goal of the restructuring is to streamline the information, making it less complicated and easier to understand.
Previously, schools received bonuses or additional weighting to raise the grades or were given penalties for not meeting a requirement. The new formula is calculated based on data actually received per component, assigned point values which accumulate to provide a grade for the school. Schools will not be able to substitute district averages if they don’t have enough data. Instead, that component will not be used in the grade.
Ten eligible students (at a minimum) is required for calculation of the component, as opposed to 30 students. When testing is scheduled, 95% of the school’s students must be tested. The number is from Survey 3, which is in February. Schools will receive a grade of “I” if they do not test 95% unless the superintendent of that district appeals the grade and can show that there is a legitimate reason for testing fewer than 95%. (For example, Peirce stated, that might happen if a school can show that they have always had 93% test. Hernando County schools have met that criteria consistently.)
A student is considered enrolled for a full year if they are in the same school or district from October to February FTE (Full-Time Enrollment). If a student changes schools, but remains in the district, that student is counted in the district grade, but not necessarily in the individual school.
Students are graded for their achievement in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies using the FSA (Florida Standards Assessment), SSA (Statewide Standardized Assessment), or EOC (End of Course) exams, depending on grade level. Schools will receive credit for students scoring at Level 3 or higher. The highest level a student can achieve is Level 5.
Learning gains, which measure improvement from year to year, have also been revised. In some cases, according to Peirce, while a student may have shown some improvement each year, they were never able to perform on grade level. The goal is to encourage students to have greater gains to perform with their peers.
In order to do this, all students must now move toward a Level 3 if they scored at Level 1 or Level 2. Level 1 will be divided into three sections: low, middle, and high. To show improvement in Level 1, a student who scored in the low range must score in the middle or high range (or in Level 2) on the next test. Level 2 will be divided in half, and students must score either in the next highest section of Level 2 or score in Level 3.
If they scored at Level 3 or Level 4, they will need to maintain that level or improve their score by one point. Level 5 will not change. The State then looks at the learning gains of students who scored in the lowest 25% (or quartile) of each level, including up to Level 5, using the data from the previous year.
Under the Middle School Acceleration program, students may be eligible to receive credit for high school courses, providing they are able to pass the EOC or receive industry certification for that course. Previously, students were counted in each of the advanced courses. The new guidelines will count a student only once.
Graduation rates are calculated using the uniform graduation rate. In other words, a student earns a standard diploma after four years of high school. There will be no credit for at-risk students, or for students graduating in five years, Peirce stated. The district college and career acceleration score is based on the percentage of graduating students who earned college credit through dual enrollment or received industry certifications.
A district may earn a total of 1100 points (100 points for each of the 11 components). English/Language Arts and Math each have three components (achievement, learning gains, and lowest 25%). Social Studies and Science make up two more components, followed by graduation rate and acceleration success in middle and high schools.
Elementary schools are judged together, and can earn a total of 700 points. Middle school grades include the components for high school courses/industry certifications, and Social Studies. They can earn up to 900 points. Combination schools, which include K8 schools and high schools with accelerated learning opportunities, can earn 1100 points. High schools can earn 1000 points, and includes scores for graduation and acceleration opportunities. Learning gains were not included in this year’s score for any school as this is the baseline year.
Schools who have only ESE students or are alternative schools may choose to have an “I” rating or a school grade. Endeavor and Catapult chose to have the “I” rating. In that event, the students’ scores are reflected in their home-zoned school. School improvement ratings will be listed as “commendable”, “maintaining”, or “unsatisfactory”.
Across Florida, only three districts were awarded “A” grades (St. Johns, Okaloosa, and Sarasota). Hernando County kept the “B” grade that it earned in 2015. In order to obtain an “A”, schools and districts must have a minimum of 62% of the possible points, and for a “B” score, a school or district must earn 54-61% of the possible points.
Deputy Superintendent Gina Michalicka stated that while the new system looks less complicated, it does require schools to have a plan to track the students throughout the year, particularly in the area of learning gains. Superintendent Lori Romano agreed that the standards are more rigorous.
Parents who wish to have more information about the district and school grades may access the new website from the Florida Department of Education at http://edstats.fldoe.org.