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Testing Times

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THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: July 12, 2008

The Florida Department of Education this week issued grades to the state's public schools. This no doubt re-ignited water-cooler debates on whether testing-based grading of school performance is accomplishing anything or is actually counterproductive.

Statewide, the number of schools earning A or B grades went up in the 2007-08 school year compared to two years ago, 2,125 vs. 1,942. The number of D and F schools went down, from 299 to 199. This sounds like progress.

It is not, however, comfort for teachers and administrators at Tarpon Springs High School. It made a C last year but this year joined five South Pinellas high schools in rating a D. Ridgewood High School, in New Port Richey, which for years advertised itself as the "Pride of Pasco," earned a D last year and got another this year.

The people who complain the public school year has become little more than a long FCAT cram session are correct. On the other hand we haven't heard from people with plausible alternatives – other than spending more money – to the current emphasis on testing that will ensure students graduate from high school able to perform a job or are ready for higher education. Anyone?

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