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Schools

Third-graders beat FCAT reading, math averages

Students at Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics scored highest in the county.

By CHANDRA BROADWATER
Published May 2, 2006

BROOKSVILLE - Math and reading scores for Hernando County third-graders have not only improved, but exceed state averages.

And along with Citrus County, Hernando students were among the best-performing third-graders this year in the Tampa Bay area.

The state Department of Education on Monday released 2006 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test math and reading scores. Results also show that Hernando 12th-graders outscored statewide averages. Superintendent Wendy Tellone said that she was excited for the students and staff.

"Their passion and extraordinary efforts are definitely moving us from good to great," Tellone said.

The data released Monday show that 78 percent of third-graders in Hernando scored at or above grade level on the math portion of the FCAT, up from 75 percent in 2005.

The percentage of county third-graders who tested at or above grade level on the reading portion of the FCAT went up to 81 percent, from 71 percent in 2005.

Statewide, 75 percent of third-graders scored at or above grade level in reading, and 72 percent in math.

The FCAT divides students into five achievement levels. Students who score at Level 3 or higher are considered to be performing at or above grade level. Third-graders who score at Level 1 on the reading test are at risk of not being promoted unless they meet other requirements.

Test results show that 10 percent of the county's third-graders flunked the reading portion of the FCAT, an improvement of 7 percentage points from last year. Nineteen percent of all students tested, compared with 30 percent in 2005, scored below Level 3.

On the math test, 8 percent of third-graders scored at Level 1, which is 2 percentage points better than in 2005. Twenty-three percent of all students, compared with 25 percent in 2005, scored below Level 3.

Statewide, 28 percent of third-graders scored below grade level in math, compared with 32 percent last year. In reading, 25 percent were below grade level, compared with the 33 percent that scored under Level 3 in 2005.

Of 12th-graders tested this year, 18 percent passed the reading portion of the FCAT, compared with 14 percent of their counterparts statewide. In math, 31 percent of seniors passed, compared with 29 percent in the state.

Students at Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics, which opened last fall, scored the highest of county third-graders in both reading and math. Results show that 95 percent scored at or above grade level in reading, while 89 percent scored at or above grade level in math.

Ninety-one percent of Chocachatti Elementary students scored at or above Level 3 in reading, which was the next-highest score after Challenger. Scores show that 77 percent of students at the arts magnet school tested at grade level in math.

Moton Elementary students scored the lowest in reading, with 71 percent at or above grade level. Deltona Elementary students scored the lowest in math, with 70 percent at or above grade level.

School officials said that several factors contributed to Hernando's success this year. They cited classroom reading coaches, 90 minutes of uninterrupted reading, an emphasis on data analysis, the use of a new math series and the continued building of the relationship between reading and math.

FCAT results for other grade levels are expected to be released through May and June.

Writing scores released last month showed that Hernando students improved their writing scores this year, but still lag others in the state when it comes to scoring at or above minimum standards.

Chandra Broadwater can be reached at cbroadwater@sptimes.com or 352 848-1432.

[Last modified May 2, 2006, 02:33:33]