By Sascha Cordner
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-997674.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – The state Board of Education has approved a new set of passing scores for Florida's standardized tests. As Sascha Cordner reports, it's part of a push to ensure students are more prepared for college.
The state board of education voted unanimously Monday to increase the scores for the 3rd through 10th grade math and reading sections of the FCAT. For example, the 10th grade reading portion will go up by two points. Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson says he recommended that increase to better prepare students for the future:
"My decision to move those up two points was driven by the research that I took a look at, and realizing that we as a state in 2014 are going to walk into the future."
The Board's approval means this is the first time in a decade these scores have been changed. The new scores reflect the recently revised version of the FCAT. But, some education officials worry raising the bar too high could cause more children to fail.