The state has released its latest simulations for this year’s FCAT scores and it looks like Lee’s elementary schools will take the biggest hit. The state projects the number of Lee’s “A” graded elementary schools will drop from 34 to 25 as a result of the tougher FCAT standards kicking in this year.The drop would mean Lee’s schools will receive less bonus money from the state. “A” graded schools receive a $70-per-student bonus from the state.
Here’s the state’s FCAT simulations for the district:
Lee is projected to have 25 A elementary schools, 11 B schools (up from 9 last year), and 10 C schools (up from 4 last year) and 1 D school (the district had zero last year). No F elementary schools are projected.
Lee is projected to have 13 A middle schools, same as last year. Lee’s combination schools (K-8) will drop from 7 to six A schools. The number of A high schools will drop from 6 to 5.
Lee Superintendent Joseph Burke, who was part of the panel that voted for the tougher FCAT standards, addressed the anticipated drop in A schools at Tuesday’s board meeting. He said he wants to do more professional development training for teachers. Last week, about 28 Algebra teachers attended a district training class.
“We do not consider these simulations a fait accompli,” Burke said. “There is work we can do to offset the predicted declines. We’re going to do everything we can to make sure our schools are successful.”
