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FCAT

Pinellas high school FCAT failure rate high

About 10 percent of the county's senior class won't receive diplomas because they couldn't pass the test.

By RON MATUS
Published April 30, 2005

Up to 779 high school seniors in Pinellas County won't graduate with a standard diploma next month because they failed to pass the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, according to figures released by the school district Friday.

That's roughly 10 percent of the senior class - in line with last year's rate.

"It's somewhat sad . . . especially if you were the youngster's counselor and you knew how hard they were working," said Ralph Sessa, a guidance counselor and former assistant principal at Boca Ciega High School.

Counselors throughout the district told seniors this week whether they passed or failed their most recent test, bringing far more tears of pain than joy.

Those who failed outnumbered those who passed 2-1.

High school students must pass the 10th-grade FCAT before they receive a standard diploma. If they fail, they have six chances for retakes by the time they graduate.

A district tally shows 513 seniors failed the reading portion of the FCAT, and 266 failed the math portion. Some students failed both sections, but exactly how many won't be clear for several weeks.

More than 40 students each at Gibbs, Lakewood, Northeast and St. Petersburg high schools failed the reading portion alone.

Statewide totals are expected in early May.

Hillsborough and Pasco figures also were not available Friday.

For students who fail in 10th grade, districts offer extra help, including tutors, remedial classes and computerized practice tests. But if they're still trying to pass in their senior year, the success rate is not high.

In Pinellas, 27 percent of 706 seniors passed the reading portion. Forty-two percent passed the math.

"Obviously, we'd like it to be better," said Cathy Fleeger, assistant superintendent for secondary and workforce education. "We're never satisfied until we have success for everyone."

In coming weeks, district officials will look at results school by school, and determine which ones have the most effective strategies. "We just try to continuously think of new resources and new ways to teach them differently," Fleeger said.

At Boca Ciega High, about 40 students found out they failed again.

"It's a tense time," Sessa said. They want to "walk away and go on with their life."

The students can still walk across the stage with their peers, assuming they have met other graduation requirements. But instead of a standard diploma, they're handed a certificate of completion, which isn't good enough for the military, most colleges and many employers.

By state law, ex-students can retake the FCAT as many times as they want.

Ron Matus can be reached at 727 893-8873 or matus@sptimes.com

[Last modified April 30, 2005, 00:50:14]