Standardized test scores in Volusia County are down slightly from last year's scores, and are below state averages in reading, math and social studies, while Flagler students remained ahead of the state averages in most categories, according to data released this week by the Florida Department of Education.
Depending on their grade level, students across the state participate take the Florida Standards Assessments or end of course assessments in English language arts, mathematics, algebra, geometry, civics, U.S. history, science and biology.
Where the state average in many categories increased, Volusia scores declined. In science categories, Volusia County bested the state pass rates. The Flagler County School District reported that all schools saw increases.
“I am very proud of our students, teachers, administrators and parents for putting in the hard work this past year,” Superintendent James Tager said in a media release. “We never want to be satisfied, but as we head into our next school year, I’m confident our students are primed to make additional gains.”
Volusia saw a significant decrease in scores on high school algebra assessments. The pass rate this year was 36 percent for grades nine through 12 — down from last year’s 43 percent. The state pass rate for this exam is 42 percent.
Among the other results:
The pass rate for the English language arts assessment, grades three through 10, was 51 percent in Volusia and 57 percent in Flagler. The state pass rate is at 54 percent.
For the mathematics exams, 56 percent of Volusia students in grades three through eight passed, 64 percent in Flagler. The state pass rate is 60 percent.
Pass rates for civics and U.S. history assessments for fourth- through 12th-graders went down. Both are below the state rates. Flagler topped the state rate in history but was slightly below the state average in civics.
For science assessments, the grade five pass rate in Volusia decreased by 2 percent, to 56 percent. Flagler's pass rate was 54 percent, one off the state rate of 55 percent. For grade eight science and biology, and grades six through 12 biology assessments, the pass rates went up in Volusia. All of the county’s science scores are above the state average. Flagler saw a big increase in the eighth grade test, well over the state rate, while the biology pass rate equaled that of the state.
The state defines passing the assessments as earning a Level 3 or higher.
Florida statute says students must earn a Level 2 score or higher in third grade on the English language arts assessment to be promoted to fourth grade.
The assessments are also factors in determining school districts’ grades, along with other criteria such as graduation rates and passing scores on accelerated exams, like advanced placement courses.
Superintendent Tom Russell said in an emailed statement that the district is reviewing the data.
“We are finding areas of strength and identifying those areas that we can improve upon,” he said. “I appreciate the tireless work of our teachers, the efforts of our students, and the support our administrators provide.”