FCAT hurdle would affect more pupils

Under a proposed change, low-scoring fifth- and eighth-graders would be considered for retention.

By THOMAS C. TOBIN
Published May 23, 2006

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Pinellas eighth-graders who struggle with reading will have a harder time advancing to high school under a policy change to be considered tonight by the School Board.

The same would hold true for fifth-graders planning to enter middle school.

The board has been working on the change since late last year and is expected to vote after a public hearing on the policy. The hearing will be held during the board's regular meeting, which starts at 5 p.m. at school district headquarters, 301 Fourth St. SW in Largo.

Under the change, more than 3,000 fifth- and eighth-grade students who score at Level 1 on the reading portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test would be considered for retention. Scores for the FCAT range from Level 1 to Level 5, with five the highest.

The change could be significant. In 2004-05, Pinellas schools retained just over 1,000 fifth- and eighth-grade students.

There would be some exceptions. The policy would allow Level 1 readers to advance to the next grade if they meet expectations in a reading class or show a year's worth of growth on the reading FCAT.

The policy, which is being enacted under pressure from the state, raises the stakes for an increasing number of students. Already, Florida third-graders are considered for retention if they perform poorly on the FCAT.

The long-term goal, according to officials, is to reduce the number of students who are unprepared when they begin high school.

The policy calls for retained students to receive intensive remedial work and other help. Students who are retained two or more years would be considered for placement in a special program to address their problems.

The policy also requires struggling middle school students to take reading classes.