Sarasota FCAT Writing Scores Rise at All Grade Levels

At all grade levels tested, students in Sarasota County public schools increased their average scores over last year’s scores on the writing portion of the 2011 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. This year’s average district scores, released today by the Florida Department of Education, were higher than state averages for each grade tested.  

According to the school district, in Sarasota County more than 9,200 public school students in grades four, eight and 10 participated in the writing assessment. The group included students with disabilities and English-language learners.

The FCAT writing results are based on an essay score graded on a scale of one to six points. 

Sarasota 2011 FCAT results compared to 2010:

• At grade four, the percentage of students scoring at 3.0 or above on the essay increased from 96 percent to 98 percent. At grades eight and 10, the percentages held over the past two years, at 98 percent and 95 percent, respectively.

• The number of students scoring 4.0 or higher on the essay increased by 13 percent at grade four and 8 percent at grade eight, and by 4 percent at grade 10. The percentage of students scoring 4.0 and above will be the new standard used by the FLDOE as a factor in calculating school grades.

Essay

Portion

Grade 4

Grade 8

Grade 10

2010

2011

Diff.

2010

2011

Diff.

2010

2011

Diff.

District % 3.0+

96%

98%

+2

98%

98%

+0

95%

95%

+0

State % 3.0+

94%

97%

+3

96%

97%

+1

94%

94%

+0

District % 4.0+

73%

86%

+13

82%

90%

+8

73%

77%

+4

State % 4.0+

68%

81%

+13

76%

82%

+6

72%

75%

+3