Posted on 06/07/2011 7:33:11 AM PDT by Joe Brower
FCAT scores rise as test gets harder
By Christopher O'Donnell
Published: Monday, June 6, 2011 at 12:47 p.m.
Despite three straight years of improvement, most Florida students still struggle to understand basic science concepts, state test results released Monday show.
More than half of Florida students failed the science section of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test — compared with 35 percent who failed math.
Part of the struggle may be that the science test, first counted in 2006, is so new. But some educators also say schools do not spend enough time on the subject, despite a series of new programs designed to improve science education.
Nick Kohler, a science teacher at Brookside Middle School in Sarasota, said students do not get enough science instruction in elementary schools. Students are taught science about 45 minutes per day in Sarasota.
"If we're going to compete with countries in Europe and the Far East, we need to start looking at seriously revamping our education system," he said. "That means finding more time for science and for math."
Florida schools found some good news in the test scores released Monday. FCAT results in reading and math showed improvement even though last year's test was designed to be more difficult than in previous years.
In Sarasota, the percentage of students considered proficient in reading rose in all grade levels except fourth, seventh and ninth grades. Sixth graders led the way with a jump of four percentage points.
In Manatee, results were mixed, with fewer students passing math while reading performance remained largely unchanged from last year. The district continues to lag behind the state average at all grade levels.
On average, science scores increased two percentage points statewide. In Sarasota, the percentage of students earning passing grades rose five percentage points to 58 percent. Gains were more modest in Manatee with 41 percent of students passing, up from 39 percent in 2010.
Only fifth, eighth and 11th grade students take the science FCAT.
Educators said it will be a long haul to bring science scores to the same level as reading and math.
Test scores show students in low-income areas continue to struggle the most in science, even more so than in math and reading. At Bradenton's Samoset Elementary School, where more than 90 percent of students qualify for subsidized lunches, 75 percent of fifth graders failed the science test.
Teachers say those schools are so focused on basic reading and math skills that there is little time to teach science.
"The emphasis on science is not really where it should be," said Louis Robison, Manatee executive director of school improvement and accountability. "It's not like reading or math where students get it every day."
Financial bonuses for schools are still tied only to reading and math scores. And, unlike reading, students do not need to pass the science test to graduate.
Local schools are enhancing their science education.
In Sarasota, district officials have added a science lab at every elementary school so that science lessons include hands-on experiments that make the subject come alive for students.
"It's something we're getting better at," said Superintendent Lori White.
Starting in August, Manatee will mandate that students at every elementary school get 30 minutes of science each day.
"We're looking at making that more coordinated around the district," said Judy Griffin, Manatee curriculum specialist. "I think we'll see a lot bigger gains next year."
Seeing science education as crucial to growing jobs in America, the federal government has made more grants available to schools and after-school clubs that show children how science can be used with math and technology to solve real-world problems.
The FCAT is the state's yardstick of success, measuring student progress in reading, math, science and writing. Students are tested in grades 3 through 10. The scores also determine school grades, which can net schools extra funding.
Administrators use the test to track student progress, assess whether teaching strategies are working and to target resources.
Results from the new end-of-course Algebra I test that replaced the ninth-grade FCAT are expected to be released later this month.
Ya THINK???
50% FAILED science. 35% FAILED math. Unreal.
Makes one ask, "I wonder what these kids will do for a living when they grow up?" There aren't enough fast-food joints on Earth to employ that many burger-flippers.
I guess those of us who still have at least half a functioning brain in our heads better work harder; I see enormous increases in the welfare rolls in the years ahead. That, and worse.
I wonder how teachers would score?
Everyone knows you have to be rich to understand science.
They don’ need to steenking score ... they have a job.
Those complaining about the lack of time for science instruction at the elementary level have a point but not the one they think they do. The key to making any curriculum work is to get away from the “silo” mentality about subjects and integrate all learning. Science is so easy to integrate math and reading into if teachers break down the subject silo barriers. The students “read” about conducting an experiment, they “write” about the process steps needed, they measure experiment results, and do the “math” to understand the results with charts. Why is this not done in order to maximize learning?
Because the modern educational system was created from it's inception to be socialist indoctrination centers?
People don't go on welfare - they follow the signs and get a lawyer to put them on Social Security Disability. It's welfare FOREVER without the pesky social workers - or time limits.
I would imagine that this would also allow welfare cases to avoid the new FL mandatory drug-testing law.
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