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FCAT

FCAT may deny 18 seniors a diploma

That's how many Citrus students did not pass the state test. They can get tutoring and more chances to pass.

By BARBARA BEHRENDT
Published May 6, 2005

INVERNESS - As many as 18 Citrus County public high school seniors will not be able to pick up a diploma on graduation night because they were unable to pass the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test earlier this year, according to preliminary numbers compiled by the school district.

High school students first take the important FCAT test during the spring of their sophomore year. They must pass the reading and math portions. If they do not pass then, they have five more chances to retake and pass the test before graduation.

Those students who meet all the other graduation requirements except passing the FCAT can still walk with their graduating class, but they will receive only a certificate of completion until they pass the test.

They can try again starting in June and continue trying to pass so they can earn a regular diploma, according to Jan Morphew, the district's director of research and accountability.

When a student is trying to pass either the math or reading portions - or both - the district provides remediation and intense study, Morphew said. "There is lots of help for those who need it," she said.

Morphew added that the number will drop if any of the 18 students end up not graduating for some reason other than FCAT - such as failure to pass the required courses, or failure to meet the grade point average or credit requirements.

The 18 students do not include those seniors - such as some exceptional education students - who are vying for special diplomas instead of regular diplomas.

More detailed information about the 12th grade students who took the FCAT is expected to be released by the state next week, Morphew said. The information is part of a series of score results released to school districts and the public every year at this time. The FCAT scores form the basis of state and federal educational accountability programs.

Third-grade reading scores are a key factor in determining which students will progress to fourth grade and which will receive intensive reading instruction and/or be held back a grade.

The scores also help determine each school's state grade, which will likely be released in June, and determine whether each school and district has met the adequate yearly progress requirement under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Barbara Behrendt can be reached at 564-3621 or behrendt@sptimes.com

[Last modified May 6, 2005, 00:38:16]