By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-969849.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Leon County high school students are taking a new test this year- Algebra I. Students taking the class have to pass an end-course exam worth 30-percent of their grade. Lynn Hatter reports it's the first in series of new tests aimed at phasing out the FCAT.
The Algebra I exam replaces the 9th grade FCAT math test, and students across the state are taking it for the first time this year. In Leon County those Algebra I students are crunching numbers in front of computers this week and next- as the test is given online. But Leon School Superintendent Jackie Pons says he has some issues with the test.
"We don't want to turn our state into a testing institution that all we do is test children on one day, two days, and take all the knowledge they've learned throughout the year and put pressure on them to show they can pass one end-course exam. I have some issues with that."
Districts were given a three week window to administer the tests, some have already taken them and others will do so in the next few days. In the coming years, end-course exams in Biology, Physics and Chemistry will be required as well.