FLORIDA EDUCATION NEWS
May 2006
Copyright © 2006 Queue, Inc.
IN THIS ISSUE:

THREE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOLS IN NEWSWEEK'S TOP TEN—14 MORE IN TOP 100

Newsweek recognizes schools that do the best job of preparing average students for college. Public schools are ranked according to a ratio, devised by Jay Mathews, that is the number of Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate tests taken by all students at a school in 2005 divided by the number of graduating seniors. By dividing the number of AP and IB tests taken at a school by the number of graduating seniors, Newsweek measures how committed the school is to helping kids take college-level courses. Newsweek thinks kids at those schools have an edge, no matter their economic background.

Florida's Top 100 in US

5       Stanton College Prep, Jacksonville      

6       Eastside, Gainesville        

7       Suncoast Community, Riviera Beach       

25     Atlantic Community, Delray Beach     

28     Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Jacksonville      

29     Coral Reef, Miami       

33     Dreyfoos School of the Arts, West Palm Beach        

38     Pensacola, Pensacola 

48     Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Beach     

67     Miami Palmetto, Miami       

70     Maritime & Science Tech, Miami       

71     Plant, Tampa      

73     King, Tampa      

75     Fort Myers, Fort Myers

79     Lincoln, Tallahassee       

84     Spruce Creek, Port Orange       

89     Palm Harbor University, Palm Harbor      

See: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12532678/site/newsweek/

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STATE TECHNOLOGY REPORT 2005

Access to technology: B

Use of technology: B-

Capacity to use technology: B-

Overall grade: B-

While the No Child Left Behind Act has touched off a boom in school data collection, much work needs to be done before the vast amounts of student information can be harnessed to improve learning, according to Technology Counts 2006: The Information Edge: Using Data to Accelerate Achievement, a new report from Education Week and the Editorial Projects in Education (EPE) Research Center. The report is based on a systematic analysis by the EPE Research Center of the structure and quality of states' computerized data systems, and how those systems are being used. It comes at a time when states are under tremendous pressure to get technology systems and access to data up and running as genuinely useful tools to accelerate student learning on a broad scale. In a survey of state education officials conducted for the report, the EPE Research Center finds that despite the federal government's push to make data central to instructional decisions, states are still far away from putting their electronic information into a form that local educators can easily use.

Report Cards: Grading the States

For the first time ever, Technology Counts issues letter grades for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, ranking their efforts to improve access to and use of school technology and the ability of teachers to use it more effectively. While the nation earned an overall grade of C-plus, West Virginia, and Virginia earned the highest marks, with grades of A and A-minus, respectively. At the opposite end of the spectrum, a small group of states is lagging behind. Minnesota, Oregon, and Rhode Island all received an overall D grade, while Nevada ranked last in the nation with a D-minus. Grades are based on where states stand in three core areas of state policy and practice, including access to instructional technology, use of technology, and capacity to effectively use technology. They are contained both in the print version of the report and in new online-only State Technology Reports created by the EPE Research Center.

For the complete article, please go to:
http://www.edweek.org/media/ew/tc/2006/TC06_press.pdf

To access individual state reports, please go to:
http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2006/05/04/index.html?levelId=1000

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TOP 100 SCHOOLS FOR IMPROVED FCAT WRITING SCORES

The top 100 elementary, middle and high schools with students making progress in writing on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) had the highest increase in the percent of students scoring 3.5 and above on the 2006 FCAT Writing+ over the previous year.

"Writing is a core skill that lays the foundation for students' continued success throughout their education," said Commissioner Winn. "I commend these schools for setting high standards and providing students the support they need to exceed expectations."

The Department of Education released three lists that identify the top 100 elementary schools, the top 100 middle schools and the top 100 high schools. According to the list, some schools may have experienced the same percentage of improvement and are thus tied for position. For example, on the Top 100 Middle Schools list, students at both the Technical Learning Center in Taylor County and Gaines Alternative at Hamlem School in St. Johns County made a 58-percent increase. These schools are both ranked No. 1.

The top two elementary schools were:
The top two high schools were:
Many districts had more than one school mentioned on each of the three lists. For the Top 100 Elementary Schools, the Palm Beach County School District has 14 schools listed; for the Top 100 Middle Schools, the Duval County School District has seven schools listed; and for the Top 100 High Schools, three school districts: Broward, Jackson and Osceola Counties each have five schools listed.

Statewide, the percent of students scoring 3.5 and above on the scale of 1 to 6, increased in 2006 for fourth and eighth grades and was only 1 percent less for 10th grade. The percentage of fourth graders scoring 3.5 and above increased from 74 percent last year to 76 percent in 2006; up from 34 percent scoring 3.5 or above in 1999. The percentage of eighth graders scoring 3.5 and above jumped from 76 percent last year to 83 percent in 2006; up from 51 percent who scored 3.5 or above in 1999. The percentage of 10th graders scoring 3.5 and above decreased slightly from 79 percent last year to 78 percent in 2006; still much higher than the 60 percent scoring 3.5 and above in 1999.

This year's assessment includes Writing+ (Writing Plus), a combination of both the writing essay and multiple-choice questions. This essay portion remains the same while the multiple-choice component of Writing+ includes questions designed to measure knowledge about four facets of writing skills—focus, organization, support and conventions.

Top 100 Elementary Schools FCAT Writing Progress:
http://www.fldoe.org/news/2006/2006_05_17/Top100ElementarySchools.pdf

Top 100 Middle Schools FCAT Writing Progress:
http://www.fldoe.org/news/2006/2006_05_17/Top100MiddleSchools.pdf

Top 100 High Schools FCAT Writing Progress:
http://www.fldoe.org/news/2006/2006_05_17/Top100HighSchools.pdf

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TOP SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP

The school districts that led the state in closing the achievement gap between minority third graders and their white counterparts are listed below. The top 10 districts were identified by comparing the increased percentages of districts' African-American and Hispanic students who are reading and demonstrating mathematics skills at or above grade level on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test compared to the percentage of white students from 2005 to 2006.

African-American Students

Top 10 districts closing the achievement gap for African-American third graders in reading:
Top 10 districts closing the achievement gap for African-American third graders in mathematics:

Hispanic Students

Top 10 districts closing the achievement gap for Hispanic third graders in reading:
Top 10 districts closing the achievement gap for Hispanic third graders in mathematics:
The achievement gap is the difference between the academic performance of minority students compared to white students. Across the state, African-American and Hispanic continue to make progress in both reading and mathematics. The percent of African-American third graders reading on grade level has nearly doubled since 2001. Currently, 61 percent of African-American third graders are reading at or above grade level, up from 37 percent in 2001. Hispanic students made similar increases with 70 percent reading at or above grade level, up from 46 percent in 2001. In mathematics, more than half, 54 percent, of African-American third graders are demonstrating mathematics skills at or above grade level, up from 29 percent in 2001. More than two-thirds, 68 percent, of Hispanic third graders are demonstrating mathematics skills at or above grade level, up from 44 percent in 2001.

Social promotion for third grade was eliminated in 2001 as a necessary intervention step to ensure students will be able to meet the more rigorous standards of later grades. Since eliminating social promotion, students are improving in both reading and mathematics. Statewide, a record number of third graders are reading at or above grade level. Results show three-fourths of all Florida third grade students are reading at or above grade level the largest number in state history.

To view school and district FCAT scores for third-grade reading and mathematics, visit http://fcat.fldoe.org/.

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2007 TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Five finalists for the 2007 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year have been selected from district winners across the state and represent more than 180,000 Florida educators. Each finalist was selected on the basis of superior ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching, and outstanding school and community service.

The five finalists are:
Each finalist was surprised with a $5,000 check from Macy's and a $500 Macy's gift card at presentations made at his or her school. In addition, Macy's also presented $1,000 to each of the finalists' respective schools to be used toward educational programs. For the 18th consecutive year, Macy's has contributed $100,000 toward honoring Florida's finest teachers through the Teacher of the Year Program.

The remaining district winners each will receive $750 from Macy's, a $100 Macy's gift card plus $250 for programs at their respective schools. In addition, the finalists' names, photos and schools will be displayed in Macy's stores May through August.

The 2007 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year will be named Wednesday, July 12, during a ceremony honoring Florida's teachers at Hard Rock Live! at Universal Studios CityWalk, Orlando. The winning teacher will receive a total cash prize of $10,000 from Macy's, a customized trophy and an all-expense paid trip to New York City for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. In addition, he/she will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for education, touring the state to spread the word about educational opportunities and challenges in the Sunshine State.

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TOP SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR INCREASES IN THIRD-GRADE PROFICIENCY

The school districts exhibiting the greatest one-year increases in third-grade reading and mathematics proficiency are listed below.  The top 10 districts were identified by comparing the percentage of districts' students reading and demonstrating math skills at or above grade level in 2006 to 2005. This year, Liberty County School District led the state with a 16.51-point increase in the percent of third graders reading at or above grade level—up to 85 percent compared to 69 percent in 2005. In mathematics, Franklin County School District third graders topped the list with a 15.07-point increase in the percent of students demonstrating mathematics skills at or above grade level—up to 72 percent compared to 57 percent in 2005.

The top 10 districts making the greatest one-year increases in reading proficiency are (increased percentage of third graders reading at or above grade level):
This year, every district experienced increased improvement in the percent of third graders reading at or above grade level over last year, and 16 districts made double-digit increases. Likewise, every district saw a drop from last year in the percent of students reading at the lowest level (Level 1). Five districts had double-digit decreases.

The top 10 districts making the greatest one-year increases in mathematics proficiency are (increased percentage of third graders demonstrating mathematics skills at or above grade level):
Sixty districts experienced improvement in the percent of third graders demonstrating mathematics skills at or above grade level over last year, and nine made double-digit increases. All but seven districts saw a drop from last year in the percent of students demonstrating mathematics skills at the lowest level (Level 1). Seven had double-digit decreases. Jefferson County School District made significant strides in decreasing the percentage of students at Level 1, experiencing a 21.27-percent decline.

Social promotion for third grade was eliminated in 2001 as a necessary intervention step to ensure students will be able to meet the more rigorous standards of later grades. Since eliminating social promotion, students are improving in both reading and mathematics. Statewide, a record number of third graders are reading at or above grade level. Results show three-fourths of all Florida third-grade students are reading at or above grade level—the largest number in state history.

To view school and district FCAT scores for third-grade reading and mathematics, visit http://fcat.fldoe.org

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700 MIAMI STUDENTS KICK OFF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

In an effort to teach kids about the power of environmental education in their own communities, 700 students from Miami's Silver Bluff Elementary School and volunteers from the Doubletree Hotel Coconut Grove did their part in a special celebration on Thursday, April 20, to care for the community they live in by taking part in a unique, nationwide educational initiative that focuses on the environmental 3 Rs— Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

The nationwide program kicked off with a Great Community Tree Celebration at Silver Bluff, just days before National Arbor Day, April 28. Students planted hundreds of indigenous Crape Myrtle tree seedlings in recyclable milk cartons that can be re-planted in their neighborhoods later this spring.

In addition to beautifying the community, students learned about the positive effects of the environmental 3 Rs by turning collected trash into artistic treasures. The "litter critter" lesson included the creation of a representation of animals in the world negatively impacted by litter. By finding new uses for commonly discarded items, such as water bottles and bottle caps, students visually demonstrated the power of reducing, reusing and recycling. Each creation became an environmental show and tell for both the classroom and the community.

To commemorate National Arbor Day, students at Silver Bluff Elementary also planted two mature Crape Myrtle trees.

For more information about the Doubletree Teaching Kids to CARE program, visit:
http://www.doubletree.com/teachingkidstocare

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FLORIDA'S SAVANNAH WALTERS OF ODESSA NAMED ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP TEN YOUTH VOLUNTEERS; STATE'S REBECCA FARBER OF MIAMI ALSO HONORED

Savannah Walters, 13, of Odessa was named one of America's top ten youth volunteers for 2006 in a ceremony today at the International Trade Center, receiving a national Prudential Spirit of Community Award for her outstanding volunteer community service. Selected from a field of close to 20,000 applicants across the country, she received a personal award of $5,000, an engraved gold medallion, a crystal trophy for her school, and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for a nonprofit charitable organization of her choice.

Also honored in Washington was Rebecca Farber, 18, of Miami. She and Savannah were named Florida's top youth volunteers in February, and were recognized last night at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, along with the top two youth volunteers of every other state and the District of Columbia. At that event, all 102 Prudential Spirit of Community State Honorees for 2006 were presented with $1,000 awards and congratulated by actor Ted Danson and Olympic speedskating champion Joey Cheek. The honorees also received engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington, D.C., for this week's recognition events.

Conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 11 years ago by Prudential Financial, Inc. to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models. Since then, the program has honored more than 70,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

Savannah, a seventh-grader at Independent Day School in Tampa, is waging an extensive multi-state campaign called "Pump 'Em Up" to conserve energy resources and reduce pollution by encouraging drivers to keep their tires properly inflated and thereby burn less gasoline. "People don't know that Americans waste four million gallons of gas a day by not properly inflating their tires," said Savannah. She didn't know either, until she spoke with photographer Lenny Kohm, who shared her concern about the possibility of oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Kohm encouraged Savannah to get the word out about tire inflation, so she and her Brownie Troop distributed flyers to commuters, along with free tire gauges donated by Sears and Goodyear.

Since then, Savannah has held many more awareness events in her area, distributing thousands of informational flyers, balloons and tire guages. In addition, she has recruited friends and other volunteers to put on similar events in more than a dozen other states, and created a Web site (http://www.pumpemup.org) for people anywhere who want to join her campaign. Savannah also has taken her message to Washington, D.C., where she has lobbied Congressmen and spoken at rallies. "Even if people don't care about the Arctic Refuge, wasting gas pollutes our air and adds to global warming," she said. "This affects all of us and so it is very important to get the word out that there is a simple little thing that would make a HUGE difference - pump 'em up!"

Rebecca, a senior at Miami Palmetto Senior High School in Pinecrest, initiated a statewide PTA-sponsored relief and education effort after four devastating hurricanes ripped through Florida in 2004. When Rebecca, who lost her home to Hurricane Andrew when she was four years old, watched the reports of the 2004 storms, "I remembered the pain, fright, confusion and anger I felt as a Hurricane Andrew survivor," she said. But this time, as the only student on the Florida PTA State Board of Directors, Rebecca was in a position to take action.

She first wrote an article for the state PTA's monthly bulletin, offering information and guidelines on hurricane preparedness. She then produced "Hurricanes Happen," a colorful children's brochure that explains how kids can prepare a hurricane kit and cope with a disaster, which was distributed throughout the state. Even more importantly, Rebecca mobilized PTAs throughout the state to provide donations and support to schools, community agencies and individuals affected by the hurricanes. "PTA donors and private businesses stepped up to the plate and worked feverishly to improve the lives of strangers," said Rebecca. "These true acts of selfless goodness and generosity will always inspire me."

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NOTES FROM ACCESS

(Access is another newsletter covering Florida education topics.)

A recent poll by the St. Petersburg Times shows that a majority of Floridians do not like private school vouchers. The poll also found that 42% say the FCAT has hurt education in Florida while 37% say it has helped; 68% said teacher bonuses should not be tied to FCAT results; and 57% said schools should not be rewarded based on how well they do on the FCAT.

FCAT grading—"If the current company [CTB/McGraw Hill] won't allow us to verify the grading validity of the FCAT, we should shake their hands and take our business elsewhere."—The Rev. John C. Rallison, Orlando, in a letter to the editor of the Orlando Sentinel, April 23, 2006

Thinking outside the box—Hallandale (Florida) Elementary School is among 3,000 in the U.S. with a year-round calendar. Kids attend school 180 days, but the year is peppered with two- to three-week breaks. The inner city school has earned an "A" from the state for the last 5 years. (District Administration) Brevard already has several year-round schools. Is the "continual learning" offered by year-round schools a solution we should explore for our low-performing schools?

If you would like to subscribe, please send an email to LarryHughes@OurFlorida.info with the word "subscribe" in the Subject line.

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PROVIDING A STRONG START TO ENSURE QUALITY RESULTS

Endeavour Primary Learning Center, Lauderhill, Florida

Vera Groover, principal of the Endeavour Primary Learning Center thinks long-term: "The object is for our youngsters to go to college," she says. "If we can get it right in preschool, things are going to start working out the way we want them to."

The 70 children enrolled in a special-needs pre-K, Head Start and a state- and county-funded pre-K program get special attention as they start the long path of schooling. In addition to efforts the school makes to be inviting and informative to parents—from community events to G.E.D. classes—pre-K teachers make two home visits each year to make a positive first impression on parents, discuss students' accomplishments and needs and talk about any relevant health issues.

"We have children who come to our preschool to catch up and get ready for kindergarten. We've realized that work isn't just with the children, it's with their families, too," Groover said.

Teachers might talk to parents about the importance of reading with their children and helping them build their vocabulary—even suggesting that on trips to the grocery, they point out how corn is grown or ways potatoes are different from strawberries. Florida's accountability program casts a spotlight on third grade teaching, the first year of statewide testing, as a key point in the elementary grades. Focused on primary and pre-K, Groover sees the key to third-grade success in the experiences of four-year-olds. "We know that in preschool, what we do impacts everything else," she said.

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FLORIDA YOUTH LEADERS WIN GRANTS FOR LITERACY PROJECTS

How many students does it take to cook up a great idea, mix in a pinch of fun and organize a literacy project with some sizzle?  A group of students from Newsome High School in Lithia, Fla., will find out thanks to grants from the National Education Association.  Their winning submission integrates culinary arts and literacy to encourage at-risk grade school students to read.

NEA, the nation's largest professional employee organization, developed Youth Leaders in Literacy 2001 with Youth Service America.  It fosters creativity and gives young people the chance to conduct reading-related activities that benefit others.  This year, the organizations are awarding 20 grants totaling $10,000.

With a record 350-plus entries, competition was fierce among this year's crop of applicants for the 2006 Youth Leaders for Literacy grants, sponsored by the National Education Association and Youth Service America.

Three of the 20 winners are from Florida:
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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARDS JUVENILE JUSTICE EDUCATION ASSESSMENTS CONTRACT

The Florida Department of Education has selected Pearson Assessments BASI (Basic Achievement Skills Inventory) series of assessments as the common assessment for the state's juvenile justice education programs. The BASI series is a multi-level, norm-referenced achievement test that measures math, reading and language skills of both children and adults.

The Florida Department of Education will use the test to measure academic progress of students involved in juvenile justice education programs, guide teachers as they plan instruction and to provide a measure for system accountability.

"The BASI assessment will provide our educators with an efficient and effective tool for measuring the progress of students in our juvenile justice education programs," said Karen Denbroeder, senior educational program director, Bureau of Exceptional Student Education & Student Services, Florida Department of Education.

BASI assessment series yields standard scores, national percentile rankings, grade equivalency, age equivalency, and performance classification by learning objective for math, reading and language arts—without requiring individual administration or lengthy testing.

More information about the BASI series of assessments is available at http://www.PearsonAssessments.com/tests/basi.htm

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PINECREST SENIOR WINS $25,000 SCHOLARSHIP

Wendy Liu of Miami Palmetto Sr. High, Pinecrest, Fla., is one of eight seniors who will each receive a Best Buy $25,000 scholarship. Her winning essay can be found in the "community relations" link at www.bestbuy.com

As many as 781 students will receive $1,000 scholarships, with $2,000 amounts awarded to 731 students. Scholarship funds will be distributed in August 2006 to all recipients.

Best Buy received more than 78,200 completed applications for this year's scholarship program. Applicants are evaluated based on academic records and community involvement; each application included a school transcript, as well as references from relevant community service organizations and verification of volunteer hours and scope of involvement. Recipients also must be committed to attending an accredited college or university in fall 2006. Information about the 2007 Best Buy scholarship program will be available later this year.

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SCHOOL KEPT OUT OF TOP 100 BECAUSE IT IS TOO GOOD

Newsweek excluded these high performers from the list of Best High Schools because so many of their students score well above average on the SAT and ACT. . . .
See: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12551652/site/newsweek

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COCOA HIGH SCHOOL IN COCOA, FLORIDA ONE OF EIGHT WINNERS OF FIRST ANNUAL ALL-AMERICAN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

The Institute for International Sport, located at the University of Rhode Island, has announced its first annual All-American Sportsmanship School Award honorees. These eight schools were selected on the basis of their outstanding sportsmanship programs. These programs included strongly worded and successfully enforced codes of conduct, promotional strategies and the dissemination of these strategies, the program's interaction with younger students, the methods of evaluation of effectiveness of the program, as well as other sportsmanship initiatives that the school administers. All of the schools also participate in the Institute for International Sport's National Sportsmanship Day program. The 16th annual National Sportsmanship Day took place on March 7, 2006. This annual award is open to elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools throughout the United States.

The 2006 awardees are:      Chaminade-Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, Ohio; Cocoa High School in Cocoa, Florida; Jefferson Township High School in Oak Ridge, New Jersey; North Hills Senior High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey; South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey; William Penn High School in New Castle, Delaware.

The Institute for International Sport was founded by Dan Doyle in 1986. Located in Kingston, Rhode Island, on the campus of the University of Rhode Island, the Institute administers more than ten international programs that reach more than 160 countries on six continents.   

For more information, contact Dave Hurley by phone at 401-874-2375 or by email: nsd@internationalsport.com

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13 FLORIDA SCHOOLS WIN HP AWARDS
 
HP will award $4.5 million in cash and equipment to teams of five teachers at 130 K-12 public schools in the United States. Preference was given to schools serving low-income students and projects including a math or science component.

The award package, valued at more than $35,000 for each team, will include five HP Tablet PCs, five HP multimedia projectors, five HP digital cameras, five HP PSC all-in-one printer/scanner/copiers, software and accessories, and a cash stipend for each teacher.

Teachers also will participate in a professional development program led by HP's partner, the International Society for Technology in Education, during which they will receive mentoring and customized learning opportunities and will participate in an online learning community for teachers to share best practices.

The program is designed to improve student achievement through the innovative uses of technology in the classroom while encouraging student interest in careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

This year's recipients from Florida are:
More information about 2006 HP Technology for Teaching program and grant recipients is available at http://www.hp.com/go/hpteach

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FREE STUDENT WORKBOOKS AVAILABLE FOR PREVIEW (Advertisement)
 
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