FCAT Reform Legislation Filed for 2008 Session
Feb 11, 2008
In 2004 and in 2007, CIVIC Concern commissioned national and state experts to comprehensively review Florida's A Plus accountability system and analyze the impact of the FCAT. Those experts found that A Plus and in particular its overemphasis on the FCAT had a detrimental impact on our schools.
Since those studies were completed, CIVIC has advocated for an overhaul of the state's accountability system. In 2006 and 2007, legislation based on CIVIC's studies was developed and filed by members of the State House and Senate, but those bills failed to pass.
The Palm Beach Post has reported that State Senator Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, chair of the Senate's Pre-K-12 Education Committee, will file a bill this year that would add a number of other factors to the high school grading equation, reducing the importance of the FCAT for high schools.
While more comprehensive change is needed, this bill may be a good beginning. The fact that it was filed by a committee chair signals that legislative leaders are finally willing to consider changes in the accountability system.
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