Ready or not, The Florida Standards Assessment tests are coming to your child’s school.
The tests replace the FCAT and begin in March. With the high-stakes tests looming, school leaders and lawmakers alike are raising red flags.
“My hope is this legislative session something gets done about this at least to protect our students and communities," said Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Mike Grego.
The tests will determine student progress, teacher pay and school grades. They have not been field tests and are based on a new system of learning.
Students will also take much of the tests online and it’s not clear if all schools and students have the technical capability.
“No one is opposing accountability," said Grego. “No one is opposing our students to think at a higher level, but it’s the method in which to do it and the pace we’re being asked to do it.”
Students who score poorly can be assigned to remedial classes. Third graders must pass to move onto fourth grade. High school students must pass to graduate.
Just this week, a few lawmakers sent a letter to the education commissioner asking if schools were ready for the new tests.