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REBECCA CATALANELLOHis request comes after the tests of 15 students were invalidated in a tampering inquiry, which cost them one of six attempts to pass the test.
LAND O'LAKES - Fifteen Zephyrhills High School students whose tests appeared to have been tampered with might get another opportunity to take the state-required FCAT before May graduation.
Superintendent John Long asked state Department of Education chancellor Jim Warford this week to provide an additional FCAT opportunity for the seniors before March. Early investigations indicate the students were not involved in wrongfully changing the answer sheets.
"Somebody literally stole one opportunity for those kids to pass that exam and be able to graduate, to walk with their peers," Long said Tuesday. His Oct. 4 letter stated simply, "In my opinion, it is the right thing to do for these students."
Department of Education spokesman MacKay Jimeson said officials were reviewing the request: "Every opportunity should be afforded to these students as to other students," Jimeson said.
State education officials invalidated the tests of the 15 seniors after discovering multiple erasures, similar answer sheet changes and an unusual spike in scores.
The students were among 25 who took the reading test at Zephyrhills High on June 22.
Because of the problems, their scores will not be counted. Pasco students are allowed to take the FCAT reading test up to six times prior to May graduation ceremonies, but invalidating the 15 tests means the affected students would only have five chances.
"It's not their fault," said Denise Belasic, whose 17-year-old daughter was one of the students affected. Heather Belasic retook the test Monday and, like she did in June, felt good about her performance, her mother said.
Denise Belasic and Susan Johnston, mother of another senior affected by the test flap, said they appreciated Long's letter to Warford. But Johnston said stricter test handling guidelines should be put in place to prevent future incidents.
"This shouldn't have to happen again," Johnston said.
School officials have not placed blame, but they said they do not think the irregularities occurred while the test was given. Interviews with students led them to conclude the children were not involved. Two people - an assistant principal and a literacy specialist - had rightful access to the exams after students completed them.
Assistant superintendent Sandy Ramos said administrators would go to Tallahassee in two weeks to review the answer sheets in question.
Administrators still are having a difficult time understanding what might have been the motive for changing the answer sheets. Test results from the June administration are not included in calculating state-issued school grades, Ramos said.
Scores from the spring administration of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test are used to evaluate academic performance of schools and districts.
High school students must successfully complete the test to graduate. Pasco places an additional emphasis on FCAT by barring students from participating in commencement ceremonies until they pass the exam.
Jimeson said that while the state department will consider Long's request, students should not assume that they can continue to fall short on the test.
"I don't think we should set our students up for failure," Jimeson said.