If you intend to relocate to Florida with school-age children, familiarize yourself with the grading system: A Framework for Parents and Students
Context
Florida’s public schools operate under an accountability system that simplifies complex data—representing the relationships among various factors—into clear, easy-to-understand letter grades, similar to the A–F report cards that students receive. Understanding these grades and their calculations can assist parents and prospective students make informed decisions about school selection and provide insights into what to expect from the educational environment.
The table below shows the 2023-24 school grades as of September 18, 2024, for selected schools in the Orange and Osceola Districts, as reported by the Florida Department of Education.
Credit: Florida Department of Education
The article describes the school grading system’s performance components, points to parents’ and students’ considerations before deciding, and provides examples of school grading and suggestions.
What Is the Florida School Grading System?
At its core, the Florida school grading system assesses schools using various performance components that fall under several key indicators:
Student Achievement:Measured by standardized assessments in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. These tests determine the number of students achieving grade-level proficiency. For example, a school may be evaluated based on the percentage of students scoring at or above Achievement Level 3 on state assessments.
Student Learning Gains:Rather than merely measuring student proficiency, this component analyzes academic progress from one year to the next. A learning gain is defined as an increase in scale score points or an advancement by one achievement level (or sublevel) on standardized tests. Targets, such as a 65% learning gains target, are established by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) in consultation with the State Board of Education (SBE). These targets rely on historical data and are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain ambitious yet achievable.
College and Career Readiness (High Schools):This indicator examines more than just test scores to evaluate how effectively schools prepare students for postsecondary education or the workforce. It encompasses metrics such as graduation rates, enrollment in advanced courses (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), and career and technical education outcomes.
Additional Components:Other measures, such as middle school acceleration (which captures the success of younger students taking high school-level assessments) and English Learner Progress (ELP), add further layers of information about how effectively a school serves all its students.
Each component is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, and the points earned are averaged (with adjustments specific to the school level) to produce an overall letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F).
What Should Parents and Students Look For?
Beyond the Overall Grade:While the final letter grade provides a quick snapshot of school performance, it is important to look at the subcomponents:Achievement Scores:How well are students performing on statewide tests in core subjects?Learning Gains:Are students showing consistent progress each year? A school that demonstrates significant learning gains may be especially effective in assisting students’ improvement, even if current proficiency rates fall short of state averages.College and Career Readiness:Check high school graduation rates and the availability of advanced coursework or career training programs.Equity Across Subgroups:Consider how the school performs across different student populations. A school that works well for English Language Learners, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities is one that is committed to equitable education.
Understanding the Targets:The system uses targets—such as a 65% learning gains target—to help determine whether instructional practices are effective. The State Board of Education periodically reviews these targets, which the FDOE sets based on historical performance data. While precise targets for the 2024–2025 school year may be subject to final review after the July SBE meeting, they generally reflect prior baseline data adjusted for current conditions.
Engage with School Reports:The FDOE provides detailed School Accountability Reports that break down performance by each component. Reviewing these reports can give parents a more granular picture of how a school is doing in areas that matter most to your child’s educational needs.
A Real-World Example: X School
Consider X School in Osceola County as an illustrative case:
Overall Grade:For the 2023–2024 school year, X School earned an overall “B” grade, which is the result of aggregating scores across several components.
Student Achievement:The school’s performance on statewide English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics assessments was somewhat below state averages. For example, if state proficiency in ELA is around 55%, X School might report figures closer to 50%. This component alone accounts for 60% of the overall grade.
Student Learning Gains:Even with lower absolute achievement levels, the school might show that 65% of students meet or exceed the learning gains target, indicating steady progress over time. This component, accounting for 20% of the grade, reflects that instructional practices effectively drive improvement despite initial challenges.
College and Career Readiness:High school indicators such as graduation rates (often above 90% at X School) and participation in advanced coursework contribute to the remaining 20% of the grade. While test scores may be modest, the school is successfully preparing students for life beyond high school.
Parents examining the accountability report for X School will notice that, while test scores might not rank at the top in the state, the substantial learning gains and high graduation rate offer a more comprehensive perspective on the school’s effectiveness.
Suggestions for Parents and Students
Examine Detailed Reports:Look beyond the letter grade and analyze the breakdown of components in the School Accountability Report.
Consider Your Child’s Needs:If your child needs extra support, a school with strong learning gains might be better than one with high test scores but little improvement.
Visit schools and talk to administrators:Ask how they support struggling students, what programs they offer for advanced coursework, and how they address achievement gaps among various student groups.
Stay Informed:Educational targets, including learning gains benchmarks, are periodically updated. To understand any changes in expectations, keep an eye on updates from the FDOE and SBE, especially for the upcoming 2024–2025 school year.
References
Florida Department of Education. (2023-24). Guide to Calculating School Grades, District Grades, and the Federal Percent of Points Index.
By understanding the components and objectives of Florida’s school grading system, parents and students can make more informed decisions and advocate effectively for quality education that meets their individual needs.
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