Graduation standards may increase in Florida
TALLAHASSEE (AP) – It would be harder for the class of 2014 and those that follow to graduate under stricter high school standards being backed by Florida’s business community and approved by a House committee Tuesday.
The bill – HB 1293 – which cleared the Pre-kindergarten-12 Appropriations Committee, will increase math and science requirements and raise the passing grade for the 10th grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
Students now need a score of 2 on a scale of 1 to 5 to pass the FCAT. The bill would increase the passing score to 3, which is considered grade-level performance. It’s also the same score needed to pass FCAT tests in the lower grades.
“For years the state of Florida has in essence been acknowledging that the standard by which our seniors will be receiving a diploma is actually a below-passing standard relative to all the other FCATs,” said bill sponsor Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami.
Starting with incoming 2010-11 freshmen, all students would be required to take algebra I, geometry, biology I and a physical science. Algebra II and chemistry would be added to the requirements beginning with 2012-13 freshmen.
The bill, though, would not change the number of math and science credits needed to graduate – four in math and three in science – out of a total of 24 credits.
Business groups including the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida are backing the bill because they say standards must increase for the state to have a well-trained work force that can compete globally.
The panel approved the bill on a party line vote with Republicans in favor and Democrats against. It has one more committee stop before it can go to the House floor. Comparable bills (SB 2232 and SB 2654) have not yet had committee hearings in the Senate.