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Schools

12 schools make list of most improved

Four elementary schools, five middle schools and three high schools are commended for their FCAT scores in writing.

By MARY SPICUZZA
Published May 18, 2006

Pasco County put 12 schools on a list of educational facilities that did the best job of improving writing scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Three of Pasco's high-achieving schools were charter schools.

The state Education Department on Wednesday announced the top 100 elementary, middle and high schools based on their increase in the percentage of students scoring 3.5 (out of a possible 5) and above on this year's test over the previous year.

"I think it's wonderful," superintendent Heather Fiorentino said. "I'm very proud again of the students and the staff."

Included on the state list were:

--Four elementary schools: Countryside Montessori Elementary, Academy at the Farm, Rodney B. Cox and James M. Marlowe.

--Five middle schools: Harry Schwettman Education Center, James Irvin Education Center, River Ridge Middle, the Language Academy and Hudson Middle.

--Three high schools: Hudson, Gulf and Pasco.

"Closely linked to reading, writing is a core skill that lays the foundation for students' continued success throughout their education," read a letter signed by Gov. Jeb Bush and Education Commissioner John L. Winn. "I commend you for setting high standards and providing students the support they need to exceed expectations."

This year's test introduced "Writing Plus," a combination of the standard essay section with a new multiple-choice section. The multiple-choice questions were designed to measure skills such as writing focus and organization.

--Mary Spicuzza covers education in Pasco County. She can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6241 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6241. Her e-mail address is mspicuzza@sptimes.com

[Last modified May 18, 2006, 02:08:29]