FCAT writing: better scores but less proficient?

There are two ways to look at this year’s FCAT writing scores.

1) Student performance improved from than last year. Or
2) Students are less proficient than last year.

So how can these two seemingly contradictory statements both be true?

Let’s examine fourth grade scores.

Last year, students needed a 3 out of 6 on the writing test to be considered proficient. It was a pretty easy benchmark, and 94 percent of fourth graders met it.

So this year, the state decided it needed to raise the bar, requiring students to receive a 4 out of 6 to be proficient. It’s no surprise that fewer students met those requirements, 81 percent to be exact.

But if you look at how many students scored a 4 this year and compare it to those who earned a 4 last year, you’ll see solid improvement. Last year, just 68 percent of students received at least a 4.

So students are actually doing better, even if on paper it may look like they’re not.

You can read more about this year’s FCAT writing scores here.

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