- December 13, 2025
Local school administrators were expecting FCAT scores to drop this year, following an increase in passing grade from a 3 to a 4 out of 5, and, according to preliminary writing results, they were right.
Only 27% of Florida fourth-graders passed the test this year with a score of 4 or higher, as compared to 81% passing in 2011.
A total of 48% received a grade of a 3.5 or above.
Eighth-grade scores of 4 or higher came in at 33%, compared to 82% in 2011. Tenth-grade scores of 4 or more came in at 38%, compared to 75% last year.
A state meeting to discuss results is scheduled to take place today, May 15.
The test’s rigor has also been increased, according to the Florida Department of Education, “with more focus on the conventions of writing and the quality of details provided as support.”
In the past, the organization said, expectations regarding the correct use of standard English and detail support were both previously “scored with leniency.”
Individual schools have not yet been released to the district.
