Treasure Coast reading, math scores improve in areas, but educators say more work is needed
Treasure Coast educators celebrated gains in reading and math scores, optimistic academic achievement was on the rise after two years of COVID-19 quarantines and related student absences.
But, with close to half the state's public school students unable to read on grade level, and much of the Treasure Coast mirroring those results, officials acknowledged there was room for improvement.
Students in grades 3 through 10 were assessed this year in reading and math through the Florida Standard Assessments. High school students must pass the algebra I end of course exam to receive a standard diploma.
Statewide, 52% of all students in grades 3-10 received a satisfactory score — level 3 or higher on a five-level scale. Across the Treasure Coast, reading test scores for grades 3-10 echoed the state results.
Indian River County School District students fared the best, with 53% passing the annual FSA English Language Arts administered in the spring. In Martin County, 52% of the students passed; and 47% passed in St. Lucie Schools.
Florida Standards Assessments: About half of Treasure Coast third-graders pass Florida reading test, IRC beats state average
Reward eligible schools for achievements: DeSantis reverses funding cut for Indian River County schools after district's mask mandate
Book challenges: School media specialists on the hot seat in their new role: arbiters of book challenges
Treasure Coast educators focused on student improvement in multiple areas, saying teachers and students deserved praise for raising scores during the difficult year.
Indian River elementary and high school students improved in reading test scores, with middle school students slipping slightly in reading from 2021. Indian River students at all grade levels improved in math scores.
"To see growth after such a challenging year is a credit to our teachers, staff and students," said Indian River Schools Superintendent David Moore. "We're moving in the right direction."
St. Lucie elementary students improved slightly in reading, while high school students stayed the same. Middle school students dropped slightly in reading.
"We're very, very pleased in our performance, especially in a rebound year where we've had so many challenges," said St. Lucie Schools Superintendent Jon Prince.
Students were being quarantined frequently, particularly at the beginning of the year. Almost 2/3 of the student population was quarantined at one point, he said. The school district has implemented a rigorous summer program the last two years to help students catch up, Prince said. Support teachers were hired to help quarantined students unable to attend class so they didn't fall behind, he said.
"We've been relentless in making sure our kids are getting what they need," Prince said.
Martin County School District middle and high school students dropped in reading scores, with elementary school student scores remaining flat. Martin School District officials were unavailable for comment.
In math, 55% of the state's students in grades 3-8 scored at grade level. Indian River and Martin school districts scored above the state average, with 56% scoring at grade level; about 46% of St. Lucie Schools students scored at grade level.
This is the last year students will take the FSA in its current form. The state Department of Education is moving to a progress monitoring system, in which students will be assessed throughout the year. Educators say this method will better measure individual student progress over the school year.
The change also will allow for student intervention early in the school year to boost learning before the end of the school year, Prince said.
Colleen Wixon is the Indian River County government watchdog reporter for TCPalm.com. Contact her at Colleen.Wixon@TCPalm.com or 772-978-2235.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Treasure Coast educators celebrate academic gains but improvement needed
