From the superintendent’s desk: State released test scores impart opportunities for Jefferson County Tigers

Dear Friends,
The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (F.A.S.T.) test scores were announced last Thursday by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). These test scores demonstrate the progress students make in reading and math throughout the school year. ELA, math and science scores, as well as scores from end-of-course (EOC) exams in algebra, geometry and biology have been posted. However, overall district grades from the state are not yet available.
Because the State of Florida transitioned from the FSA to F.A.S.T. for the 2022-2023 school year, it is not precise to make direct comparisons between these two (different) assessments tools when measuring academic growth. This year, student growth has been measured by comparing beginning of the year scores with end of year scores using the same assessment tools. Let us do a preliminary breakdown of the data so far.
F.A.S.T. Reading:
- Statewide, approximately 33 percent of students in grades three through 10 began the school year reading at grade level. By the end of the year, half the students in Florida were on or above grade level.
- In Jefferson, 12 percent of students in grades three through 10 began the school year reading on or above grade level; by the end of the year 27 percent of Jefferson students were on or above grade level.
F.A.S.T. Math:
- Statewide in math, 14 percent of students in grades three through 10 began the school year on or above grade level. By the end of the school year, over half the students in Florida were performing at or above grade level in math.
- In Jefferson, Grades three through 10 math scores indicated five percent of students tested on or above grade level at the start of the school year. This increased to 27 percent of Jefferson students performing at or above grade level in math by the end of the year.
Math EOC:
- Statewide for the Geometry B.E.S.T. EOC Assessment, 49 percent of students tested on or above grade level.
- In Jefferson, 62 percent of students tested on or above grade level.
Science:
- Statewide, approximately 51 percent of fifth graders and 47 percent of eighth graders achieved an on-grade level or above score on the science assessment. Statewide, 63 percent of high school students scored on or above grade level on the Biology I EOC.
- Jefferson County's test results demonstrate 15 percent of fifth graders and 19 percent of eighth grade students achieved a score on or above grade level for the science assessment. In Jefferson County, 47 percent of the tested high school students scored on or above grade level on the Biology 1 EOC, which is a significant increase from 29 percent in 2022.
Results from state assessments provide a useful view that allows districts to make decisions that impact schools and their ability to enhance student learning outcomes. The statistical analysis of F.A.S.T. testing data delivers insights that inform decision making aligned with Jefferson County School District's goals, objectives and initiatives. This informed decision making allows us to better serve our students' educational needs.
A new assessment system is an advanced opportunity to review data and broaden Jefferson's approach for delivering tailored support and impactful educational experiences to our students. The new system provides more progress monitoring data and offers a new perspective. Given this new perspective, we are more inclined to open our minds to seeing more possibilities for improving and expanding our understanding of achievement in practice.
As we welcome sunnier days and our students enjoy more time with family and friends during the break, know that the district's work for children continues. Administrators and staff are busy meeting, planning and preparing for the upcoming school year.
I highly encourage parents to continue cultivating partnerships in education. A trip to the local library with your K-12 Tiger is an experience that can engage the best ways for individuals of all ages to learn. Collectively we will continue to exude Tiger Tenacity and take the next steps toward progress and academic achievement for all students.
As always, I welcome your input and ideas. Please reach out to my Executive Assistant, Taryn Bellflower, with your questions and concerns at tbellflower@jeffersonschools.net.