JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Statewide results for the 2017 Florida Standards Assessments and End of Course exams show overall improvement and that students in various grades and subject matters have narrowed the achievement gap, according to the Florida Department of Education.
More than half of students across the state passed in every grade level and each subject, although the passing rate in some individual counties was below 50 percent. St. Johns County again had the highest passing rates in Florida, with about three-quarters of its students passing most of the standardized tests.
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Duval County said its students improved in 16 of the 22 categories tested, giving it the best test scores of the state's seven largest urban school districts.
"We did not drop in any category throughout our elementary schools, and it is pleasing and encouraging to see the improvements in English Language Arts for ninth- and 10th- grade students," Duval County Superintendent Patricia Willis said.
Scroll down for result of area counties on each test
Compared with 2016, the percentage of Florida students from third to 10th grade who passed the FSA language arts and mathematics assessments increased by 2 percentage points. The number of students who passed the Algebra 1 end-of-course test increased by 6 percentage points and the number who passed the Algebra 2 EOC increased by 9 percentage points.
There were also increases in social studies assessments, with a 2-point increase in the percentage passing the civics EOC and 1-point increase in the passing rate on the U.S. history EOC. The passing rate for in science assessment was flat.
"Today’s announcement is great news for Florida’s students and demonstrates that Florida’s dedicated teachers coupled with our continued focus on education is helping them succeed," Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement. "The accomplishments of our students are proof that we cannot take our foot off the gas and must continue to provide record funding for Florida’s education system."
The achievement gap between white and black students in mathematics narrowed this year, with the passing rate for black students improving by 2 percentage points, while white students' pass rate was only 1 point.
"There is nothing more important than ensuring that all Florida students have the opportunity to achieve their academic, professional and life goals," FDOE Commissioner Pam Stewart said in a release. "We have made tremendous strides and achieved a great return on investment, but there are still disparities that we continue to address. We are pleased that today’s announcement shows that Florida is moving in the right direction, and I am confident we are on track to eliminate the achievement gap entirely."
2017 FSA scores by district
Source: Florida Department of Education
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