In the 2011 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Writing Assessment results released today by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), Broward County Public Schools fourth, eighth and 10th grade students demonstrated significant increased performance.  According to results of the assessment, Broward students out performed the statewide averages in each of the three tested grades, with fourth and 10th grade students scoring in the top 11% of districts in the state (60 counties with lower average scores) and eighth grade topping 20% of school districts in the state.

The average score for Writing among Broward students was 4.2 for Grade 4, 4.3 for Grade 8, and 4.1 for Grade 10.  These scores exceeded the state averages.  A majority of students in the fourth (97%), eighth (97%) and tenth grades (95%) scored at or above the AYP proficient level of 3 or higher.  Beginning this year, proficiency for school grades will be a score of 4 or higher. In Broward, 86% of grades four and eight and 80% of grade 10 scored a level 4 or higher.

Additionally, Broward’s eighth grade students performed as well or better than students from the state’s four other largest school districts (Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Orange and Palm Beach). Fourth grade students produced greater results than students in all counties except Hillsborough, while 10th grade students out performed all counties with the exception of Palm Beach.

Over a five-year period, the percentage of students writing at level 4 or higher has increased by five or more percentage points in each grade.

•       Fourth grade students show an 11 percentage points increase (from 75% in 2007 to 86% in 2011).

•       Eighth grade students show a 5 percentage points increase (from 81% to 2007 to 86% in 2011).

•       Tenth grade students show an 11 percentage points increase (from 69% in 2007 to 80% in 2011).

“In acknowledging and recognizing our outstanding teachers and educators, particularly during this Teacher Appreciation Week, we are especially proud of our teachers and support personnel,” said Broward Schools Superintendent James F. Notter. “Through some extreme and challenging circumstances, they have shown that their commitment to our core business of teaching and learning results in increases in academic achievement for all students.”