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Science Acumen Boosts FCAT Scores

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By COURTNEY CAIRNS PASTOR

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 14, 2008

TAMPA - Science scores climbed at most schools this year, which could be good news when it comes to school grades.

The state released test results Tuesday for the reading, math and science portions of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Students in grades three through 11 take the FCAT, which also includes writing, although not all grades take every subject.

Hillsborough County public schools increased average scores in almost every grade and subject, with three schools bringing in some of the top scores in the state.

Fourth-graders at McKitrick Elementary scored so high in reading and math that they fell among the top 10 scores in the state. Bevis Elementary and Terrace Community charter school were the only other Hillsborough schools to achieve those honors.

Bevis did so in fourth-grade reading and fifth-grade reading, math and science. Terrace children got into the elite group for eighth-grade science.

The FCAT also includes writing, and those results were released last month.

Science, meanwhile, is a relatively new addition to the FCAT. Last year was the first time the state factored science scores into the grades it assigns schools. The state tests students in fifth, eighth and 11th grades on science, and Hillsborough County brought its average score up in each category of students.

The state has not yet calculated school grades, which can bring bonus money to schools that keep or achieve an A or bring up their grade from the previous year.

Parents will be able to review their children's scores online using a secure login and password the school provided. The state has set up the FCAT Parent Network at www.fcatparentnetwork.com. Families also will be able to pick up printed copies of the scores at their schools.

Reporter Courtney Cairns Pastor can be reached at (813) 865-1503 or cpastor@tampatrib.com.

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