Commissioner Diaz calls for more ‘rigorous’ test score requirements for student advancement
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. made recommendations for “cut scores” for certain courses for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking.
Cut scores establish skill levels for students that can be used to recommend whether or not a student should proceed to the next grade level. This is the first time since 2015 that Florida has updated cut scores, according to the Florida Department of Education.
Diaz said if approved, it would give Florida the “most rigorous expectations we have ever set for our students.”
“History has demonstrated that when the bar is raised for Florida’s students, our teachers and students respond [….] I have complete confidence in our students and teachers to rise to the challenge once again,” Diaz stated in a press release Friday.
Diaz made recommendations for cut scores in English Language Arts and Mathematics, as well as for the end-of-course assessments in Algebra 1 and Geometry. The cut score recommendations need to be approved by the State Board of Education.
“My recommendations take into account the invaluable work and input of parents, educators, superintendents, school board members, college presidents and the general public, as well as Florida’s historical performance on assessments,” Diaz said.
The department said Diaz’s recommended cut scores would give the State Board of Education the ability to provide students with the “best opportunity they have ever had to take control of their academic journey.”
Cut scores are meant to help students, parents and teachers know whether a young person is ready for the next academic steps.
“We thank Commissioner Diaz for moving the state education system in the right direction,” Vice President of Advocacy for ExcelinEd Tom Greense said in a press release. “The recommended passing scores set higher expectations that bring us a step closer to ensuring all our students are prepared for post-secondary success.”
“We remain committed to working with the Commissioner and Governor DeSantis to ensure continued progress for all students.”
The department said that even as the nation’s students struggled in recent years, Florida’s students continued to have “record achievement and close achievement gaps.”
“Florida is setting the bar higher than it ever has before – once again proving this Administration’s commitment to Florida’s students being ready to have a great job, a successful career and pick the best path that suits their dreams,” the department said.
The proposed cut scores will be discussed during the State Board of Education meeting in October.
