Jock Itch

Jock Itch

Does the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test prepare students for life after high school?
        A. Statistics show an improvement in students ability to read and perform math at grade level since the test debuted over a decade ago.
        1. Since the test was enacted in 1998 reading scores for the 4th grade have increased on an average of 18 points.
        2. In 2007 grade 4 outperformed 58 percent of their peers in other states in reading, whereas; in 2003 grade 4 outperformed only 37 percent of their peers.
            B. This test is not an adequate measure of a student’s knowledge retention.
        1. Test anxiety affects approximately 20% of students in elementary school   hindering their performance.
        2. Some honor roll students have struggled with the FCAT and can only receive a certificate of completion.

    I. Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test has negative effects on the quality of education.
        A. Florida education is not producing the quality of graduates needed to ensure that it has the quality leadership and workforce needed to sustain a vital economy.
        1.   Three out of ten ninth graders will drop out and will not receive a high             school diploma.
        2. Over 13,000 high school seniors did not have the skills and knowledge to attain a passing score on the FCAT in 2003.

        B. A comprehensive and consistent long-term effort is needed to solve the problem facing Florida education system.
        1. Florida’s new system of K-20 education has the potential to achieve an exceptional transformation and improvement of the states education system.
        2. Coordination and collaboration between and among the three segments of the overall system must be defined by clear policies and reinforced by an effective approach on spending.

    II. Too much government is involved in our schools.
        A. How to develop an effective approach to funding?
        1. Florida’s current system...