The delayed report cards for high schools across the state were released last week with Calhoun County accomplishing quite a feat as the only district in Florida with every school bringing in an “A” performance.
Back over the summer, school grades were announced by the Florida Department of Education, but only for elementary and middle schools. Altha, Carr and Blountstown Middle School all earned an “A” with district officials anxiously awaiting the high school results. The news came last Wednesday with Blountstown High School and Altha High School each scoring an “A”. This was an improvement for both schools. BHS was up from a “C” the previous year and Altha climbed one letter grade from a “B” in 2010.
“They’ve worked hard,” Superintendent Tommy McClellan remarked about the students, faculty and staff, adding that he is hoping this will mean bonus money for all employees. “It’s just wonderful they can get some good news in times like this.”
Liberty County High School maintained a “B” for a second straight year. As announced in the summer, Hosford and Tolar K-8 schools both earned an “A” this year.
Across Florida, 78 percent of the state’s high schools earned either an “A” or “B” grade, an increase from 71 percent last year.
“It’s great to see more of Florida’s high schools trending upward,” said Governor Scott. “Education is critical to improving lives, preparing students for a job and attracting employers.”
According to the Florida Department of Education, the expanded high school grading system focuses on a broader set of student outcomes, including graduation rates and student participation and performance in advanced coursework. The high school grade is earned based on two major elements: 50 percent from the performance of each school’s students on the FCAT, and 50 percent from factors that include the following:
· The school’s graduation rate.
· The performance and participation of students in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Enrollment, Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), and industry certification.
· The postsecondary readiness of high-achieving students as measured by the SAT, ACT, or College Placement Test (CPT).
· The high school graduation rate of at-risk students.
For detailed information on the 2010-11 high school grades, visit
http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/.
