Algebra 1 End-Of-Course Exams Get Mixed Results In S. Fla.
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Fifty-nine percent of Florida students who took the state's new Algebra exam passed the test that many will need to earn a diploma, according to results released Friday morning.
The number is slightly higher than the 55-percent state officials had predicted.
"I am extremely proud of our students for their hard work and achievement on the Algebra 1 End-of-Course Assessment," said Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. "I want to thank Florida's teachers for their diligence in preparing students for this challenging assessment. As our state has raised the bar, our students have shown steady improvement. Florida is a great example of what happens when we work together for our students. We can truly improve achievement across the board."
The test was given to all students enrolled in an Algebra I, Algebra 1B or Algebra I Honors course.
The thousands of students who didn't pass the end-of-course test must retake and pass it to earn the Algebra 1 credit they'll need to graduate.
The scores in Broward County were slightly higher than the state average with a 60-percent passing rate which lead the state and the big five school districts.
"I want to congratulate our outstanding teachers and school and District support staff for their efforts in providing a quality education to our students," said Broward Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie.
The scores in Miami-Dade Public Schools were lower than the state average with a 56-percent passing rate.
Individual student reports, which are expected to be available to parents by mid-June, will indicate a student's score, with three being proficient, on a one to five scale, similar to FCAT.
Students who failed can retake the exam this summer or next school year.