Test scores drop for Florida students, major decline in math
Originally published by CBS12.com.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — The COVID slide on full display with the release of statewide standardized testing scores Thursday, with the sharpest decline in math.
The Florida Department of Education said Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) scores illustrate the significant value of in-person learning and the continued need for additional support to recover lost learning.
They show a dramatic dip in math in Palm Beach County, specifically in grades 3 to 8, from 64% in 2019 to 49% this year.
There is no comparable data for 2020 since statewide exams were canceled after schools closed due to COVID-19.
When looking at grades 3 to 10 in Palm Beach County, passing rates in Language Arts went from 57% two years ago to 53%.
Science also went down.
Neighboring Broward and Miami-Dade counties saw similar declines.
The School District of Palm Beach County called the scores concerning.
“We have a lot of catching up to do, but we are committed to the academic, social, and emotional health of all students,” stated Interim Superintendent Mike Burke. “The District will continue to leverage federal educational support funds to address learning loss as a result of COVID-19 while accelerating student learning to close pre-existing achievement gaps.”
Click here for results county-by-county.
John Edelson is a local father who has dedicated his life to making sure students succeed in school.
“I am very sympathetic about how discouraging it is, how disappointing. The school system is trying its best but it’s a huge challenge,” said John Edelson.
Edelson founded Time4Learning, a nationwide homeschool platform for Pre-k through 12th grade.
He has seen an increase in parents enrolling their children, whether they’re learning in person or at home, in hopes the program will close the gaps, help them develop new skills, and reinforce what they’re already learning.
“The fact is, there’s a lot of kids who are off track, depending on the school system to solve all the problems, just not is unrealistic, so many parents are taking these sorts of steps to help their children out,” said John Edelson.
But if that’s not an option, he has this advice for parents.
“You should think about what proactive steps you can take to solve the difficult times that we’re in,” Edelson said. “What is this fall going to be like versus last year? Gosh, I fear it’s going to be more of the same. all the trends are in the wrong direction.”
If there is any good news to hold on to, Palm Beach County students taking algebra outperformed the state average. The same goes for scores on 8th-grade science.