Statement from Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart on Achievement Level Recommendations for Geometry and Biology End-Of-Course Assessments and FCAT 2.0 Science

Monday, November 19, 2012

DOE Press Office 850-245-0413

Statement from Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart on Achievement Level Recommendations for Geometry and Biology End-Of-Course Assessments and FCAT 2.0 Science

"Continuing Florida's move to more rigorous standards and higher student expectations, I have put forward my recommendations that will define the achievement level cut scores for Geometry and Biology 1 End-of-Course assessments and grades 5 and 8 FCAT 2.0 Science. These new benchmarks reflect our ongoing commitment to ensure that all students are ready for college, career, and life.

"The standards setting process drew on the expertise of Florida educators, postsecondary faculty, and business and community leaders to analyze student achievement data and consider the impact on college readiness and students' ability to move to the next level. Our students need to be able to compete in a global economy and acquiring those skills depends on the expectations we set for them and the learning opportunities we provide. In considering the panel's recommendations, I looked at balancing our higher expectations with encouraging continued student achievement, and I believe that we are on the right path.

"I want to thank the members of the educator and reactor panels for their diligent work and the public for providing input during a series of rule development workshops. The State Board of Education will consider these recommendations at its December 12, 2012, meeting."

Proposed achievement levels for the Geometry EOC Assessment (325 to 475) for each achievement level:

Proposed achievement levels for the Biology 1 EOC Assessment (325 to 475) for each achievement level:

Proposed achievement levels for the FCAT 2.0 Science (140 to 260) for each achievement level:

Impact data (PDF) are available on our website. For more information, visit Standard Setting.