Florida DOE Says FSA Tests are Valid; Superintendent Greene Releases Statement

BRADENTON – The Florida Department of Education announced Tuesday that an independent study into Florida Standards Assessments confirmed the validity of the assessments, meaning evaluations of teachers and schools can be done using results from the tests.

The study was done by Alpine Testing Solutions and edCount LLC, who found that "the evidence for the paper and pencil delivered exams support the use of the FSA at the student level." The paper also advised that test scores "should not be used as a sole determinant in decisions such as the prevention of advancement to the next grade, graduation eligibility, or placement into a remedial course."

Manatee Schools Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene released a statement Tuesday on the DoE's announcement:

”The announcement today at least puts an end to the uncertainty over whether or not the state of Florida deems the Florida Standards Assessment to be valid. Now that the FSA has been determined to be valid, it is time for us as a school district to work with the Florida Department of Education to obtain and utilize the results to move us forward. While I am still concerned about the major emphasis on these assessments, I am committed to making sure our schools have the support they need to be successful in the current system.

”Since last year’s tests are not comparable to previous state tests, they will be used as a baseline to which we will compare future results. Whatever the results are–and we are still waiting on the state to release school grades based on last year’s FSA –we will accept them in the spirit of the five C’s that form the theme for this school year: Calmness, Consistency, Civility, Confidence and Community.

”Last year was a tumultuous year and many issues outside of the classroom diverted our attention from our most important mission–educating our students. Therefore, I am calling for all of our students, parents, teachers, administrators, support employees and community to accept whatever results come our way and to be confident we have scheduled and planned for this school year in a way that will make a positive difference. For example, our secondary schools now have new textbooks and resources that are truly aligned with the Florida Standards, we have and will continue to provide high-quality professional development and we have reworked our entire assessment calendar to be in better alignment so that each quarter we will know how well we are progressing.

”We cannot change the past, but we can influence the future. I have complete confidence our students, staff and community will work together to propel our school district to higher and more consistent levels of excellence.“

The full report by Alpine and edCount can be read here.