Assessments

English/language arts for grades VPK–10, mathematics for grades VPK–8, and science in grades 5 and 8. The following courses have an end-of-course state-based exam: Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology 1, Civics, and United States History. All other areas, subjects, and grades are the responsibility of Flagler Schools to assess student learning per s. 1008.22 (6)(a).

The purpose of these state-required assessments is to measure student achievement of Florida’s adopted curriculum standards and benchmarks.

They are used for various purposes, such as:

• Third grade retention
• Meeting certain requirements for a high school standard diploma and Scholar designation
• A component of course final grade if the class has a required state end-of-course (EOC) exam
• School and district accountability
• Credit Acceleration Program (CAP)
• Schoolwide Improvement Plans (SIP)
• School, district, state, and federal reporting
• Student progress monitoring

There are other state assessments that diagnose, screen, or progress monitor the following:

• English language acquisition of identified English-Language Learners (ELLs)
• English language acquisition of ELLs with significant cognitive disabilities
• General estimates of students’ reading ability or meeting grade-level skills in reading
• Readiness for kindergarten
• Student performance for comparison among state, national, and international populations over time
• Assisting with student course placement

The amount of time each test has allotted varies by grade level, subject, and student-specific accommodations. A school district may not schedule more than five percent of a student’s total school hours in a school year to administer statewide, standardized assessments or district-required local assessments, s.1008.22 4(3) (e), F.S.

The five percent test administration limit for a student may be exceeded as needed to provide test accommodations that are required by an IEP or are appropriate for an English language learner who is currently receiving services in a program operated in accordance with an approved English language learner district plan pursuant to s. 1003.56.

Some tests are given once per year while others are offered multiple times per year. For end-of-course exams, students do not have to sit for successive administrations if they earn a passing score. For more information, please see the testing schedules.

In general, Florida Statute 1008.22—Student Assessment Programs for Public Schools—is the overarching authority that requires these assessments be administered to the intended students.

By statute s. 1008.22 (7) (a), F.S., statewide standardized assessment results must be made available no later than June 30, except for results for the grade 3 statewide standardized ELA assessments, which must be made available no later than May 31, unless the commission determines that extenuating circumstances exist concerning the release of the statewide assessment results and report the circumstances to the State Board of Education.

Pursuant to s.1008.22 4(3) (h), F.S., Flagler Schools must provide a student’s performance results on district-required monitoring assessments to the student’s parents no later than 30 days after administering such assessments, unless the superintendent determines in writing that extenuating circumstances exist and reports the circumstances to the Flagler School Board.