Central Florida Schools Earn "A" Grades as State Prepares for New Grading System with Focus on Student Success Factors

Friday, July 11, 2014

DOE Press Office 850-245-0413

Central Florida Schools Earn "A" Grades as State Prepares for New Grading System with Focus on Student Success Factors

Tallahassee, Fla., July 11, 2014 - The number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary "A" grade increased by 195 (7 percentage points) over last year in the final year of the current grading system, according to preliminary data released today by the Department of Education. Overall, 962 elementary and middle schools statewide earned the top grade.

The number of schools earning a preliminary "F" grade this year also increased. The Department is focused on ensuring all low performing schools are provided the necessary assistance and support they need to help their students achieve.

"The increase in the number of schools earning an 'A' this year is great news for students and teachers who have worked hard for this success," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "I appreciate the work by the educators, students and their families in the Big Bend and know they will continue to improve in the future."

Highlights in Central Florida include:

• Brevard County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by 10 schools in 2013-14, with 51 percent of Brevard County schools now earning an "A" compared to 39 percent in 2012-13. In addition, two Brevard County schools improved by two letter grades between 2012-13 and 2013-14.
• Flagler County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by four schools in 2013-14, with 70 percent of Flagler County schools now earning an "A" compared to 33 percent in 2012-13. Flagler County has no elementary or middle schools with a preliminary grade of "D" or "F."
• Lake County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by three schools in 2013-14, with 13 percent of Lake County schools now earning an "A" compared to 5 percent in 2012-13.
• Orange County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by 22 schools in 2013-14, with 44 percent of Orange County schools now earning an "A" compared to 32 percent in 2012-13. In addition, eight Orange County schools improved two or more letter grades between 2012-13 and 2013-14, including Palmetto Elementary, which improved from an "F" to an "A.". Also, among the eight schools, two improved from a "D" to an "A" and one improved from an "F" to a "B."
• Osceola County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by three schools in 2013-14, with 26 percent of Osceola County schools now earning an "A" compared to 20 percent in 2012-13. In addition, three Osceola County schools improved two or more grade levels between 2012-13 and 2013-14, including one school, Renaissance Charter School at Poinciana, that improved from a "D" to an "A."
• Seminole County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by one school in 2013-14, with 57 percent of Seminole County schools now earning an "A" compared to 56 percent in 2012-13.
• Volusia County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by two schools in 2013-14, with 24 percent of Volusia County schools now earning an "A" compared to 21 percent in 2012-13. In addition, four Volusia County schools improved by two letter grades between 2012-13 and 2013-14.

This is the final year school grades will be calculated using the current formula. The new grading system next year will support the more rigorous Florida Standards and the Florida Standards Assessment which will replace the FCAT. The new school grading formula will be more simple and transparent.

"The new grading system that will start next year will continue to be crafted with input from parents, teachers and educators," added Stewart. "Its focus on student achievement and gains will help ensure a fair accountability system that helps measure student knowledge of the new Florida Standards."

More information can be found at School Grades.