High school students who failed the FCAT repeatedly and want to substitute SAT or ACT scores (to still earn a regular diploma) will need somewhat higher reading scores on both the national exams to qualify.
But they can qualify with a slightly lower math SAT score (the ACT math score remains the same).
The new "concordant scores" go into effect for students who are to graduate from high school in 2011 — that is this year's 11th graders, according to a memo from Education Commissioner Eric Smith sent to superintendents today.
The changes come because a new study (updating an old one done in 2003) found that the national reading tests were slightly easier than the earlier versions, but the SAT math test somewhat harder.
Students can substitute ACT or SAT scores for the FCAT 10th-grade math or reading exams, if they have failed them three times. Students must pass those two 10th-grade tests to get a diploma.
Here are the old and new substitute score requirements. You'll notice it doesn't take very high SAT or ACT scores to subsitute for the FCAT. On the other hand, "passing" the 10th-grade FCAT reading and math exams means earning a high-level 2 on the five-level test — a score the state considers below grade level.
Reading – SAT – 410 (old) – 420 (new)
ACT – 15 (old) – 18 (new)
Math – SAT – 370 (old) – 340 (new)
ACT – 15 (old and new)
Very interesting article!!
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Thanks!