By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-989771.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – The state of Florida is upgrading its standardized tests and rolling out new end-course exams. Lynn Hatter reports the Department of Education is looking for suggestions on what the passing scores for the new exams should be.
That score will be used for several things, like whether a student gets promoted to the next grade or graduates. The new test scores will help determine whether a teacher is doing a good job and deserves a raise, and if a school gets a grade of A, F or somewhere in between. Tom Butler is the Department of Education spokesman. He says the process isn't just for teachers and other officials, but for parents as well.
"We want those parents to be thinking about the fact that this whole process is designed to increase expectations so that when their child leaves school, they are more prepared than they've ever been for the challenges of today."
The same process will repeat itself as the state rolls out other end-course exams and continues upgrading its tests. The department is holding several public meetings across the state this week to get feedback.