Rick Patrick rick@greenepublishing.com
The Florida Department of Education (DOE) has released the 2021-22 school grades and the Madison County School District remains a "C" district. In Madison County, three schools maintained the same grade this year as last year. Two schools fell in grades, while one school, Madison County High School (MCHS), improved their grade. Here is how each school in the Madison County School District fared, compared to the school's previous grade (In most cases schools opted not to receive a letter grade last year because of disruptions brought about by the COVID pandemic.). The previous grades are from the 2019 school year:
• MCHS went from a "D" up to a "B."
• Madison County Central School dropped from a "C" to a "D."
• Greenville Elementary School fell from a "C" to an "F."
• Pinetta Elementary School dropped from a “C” to a “D.”
• Lee Elementary School retained their "B" grade.
• James Madison Preparatory High School kept their "A" grade.
• Madison Creative Arts Academy also maintained an "A" grade.
• The overall district grade remained a "C."
Across the state, schools performed better than expected, according to information released by the DOE on Thursday, July 7. Some key state-wide highlights from the DOE include:
• Fifty-three schools exited the School Improvement Support list in 2022.
• 100 percent of schools graded “F” in 2019 improved their grades in 2022, including one that earned a “B” and six that earned a “C”.
• 84 percent of schools graded “D” and “F” in 2019 improved their grades in 2022.
• Overall, elementary schools had the largest increase in the percentage of schools increasing their grade with 20 percent (351) of elementary schools improving one or more letter grade.
• 469 schools increased their grade in 2022, while 825 schools maintained an “A” grade and 348 schools maintained a “B” grade compared to 2019.
• The number of schools receiving an “F” was significantly lower than expected.
• Assuming grades had been issued to all schools in 2019-2020, Florida saw a significant reduction in “F” schools (from 244 projected schools to 30 schools).
• The number of "D" or "F" schools has declined 65 percent since 2015 and the number of "F" schools has declined 85 percent (30 schools) since 2015 (205 schools).
"From Spring 2021 to Spring 2022, it's clear that our teachers and school leaders used every resource at their disposal to lift Florida's students well beyond expectations," said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. "We know that these results are thanks to policies that kept schools open and kept kids in the classroom, which has been widely recognized as critical to student achievement. Today, we can celebrate these incredible results, while continuing to support the schools that are struggling. With Governor DeSantis' leadership, Florida will continue to support our great teachers and implement world class instructional and educational supports to uplift Florida's education family."
"When I reflect on these school grades and the recent test results, the significant student growth, achievement gap closure and school-wide achievements validate Florida's approach to get our schools open first and return to normalcy as quickly as possible," said State Board of Education Chair Tom Grady. "The lesson to learn here is that the tools and supports we provide our teachers and high-quality instruction and curriculum matter and they make a difference in our schools."
"Less than a year ago, the data showed that nearly 1,500 elementary schools would require additional literacy supports and over 800 schools would likely be placed on the School Improvement Support list," said State Board of Education Member Monesia T. Brown. "Today, with these results reflecting 168 schools placed on the School Improvement Support list, we are extremely pleased to see our schools rise to the challenge and exceed conventional wisdom."
"While the school grades in the district varied, Madison County High School increased to a grade of 'B' and demonstrated improved proficiency in several EOC exams," said Madison County School Board Chairman Bart Alford. "I am proud of our progress and learning gains on the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA). The results of the FSA indicated that student learning and progress continue to vary in all schools. I celebrate with those who made learning gains and showed proficiency in the tested subject. The FSA testing indicated that the school district has many opportunities to improve reading and math understanding. The Bureau of School Improvement (BSI) and the school district will provide struggling schools with additional oversight and guidance for the upcoming school year to help maximize student achievement. Grade level proficiency in reading and math must increase at all schools to ensure students are graduation and career ready. At the school board meeting on [Monday] Aug. 1, each public-school principal will present a detailed action plan to improve their school grade and student performance for the 2022-2023 school year."
“Madison County Schools remains a “C” school district, despite months of students and staff rebounding from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Madison County Superintendent of Schools Shirley Joseph. “Although all schools did not achieve as desired, we are proud of their efforts. We will continue to analyze the results of the assessments as well as maintain our focus on accelerating learning and providing strategic academic interventions for our students. This is the state’s final year administering the Florida Standards Achievement (FSA). Beginning in the 2022/2023 school year, the FSA will transition to the Florida Assessment for Student Thinking (FAST), which will be aligned with the new state standards, Benchmark for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.)”