For the first time in two years, 3rd grade students across Florida took part in state assessments. On June 22, 2021, the State Board of Education released the results of the English/Language Arts Florida Standards Assessment given to 3rd graders this spring.
Overall, 59% of Flagler Schools 3rd graders scored a level 3 or higher on the FSA Reading test, which is a 9 point drop from 2019. However, it surpassed the state’s average by 5 percentage points.
Flagler Schools was prepared to see a dip in the scores, coming off one of the most challenging years seen in education. “I believe this shows how important face-to-face instruction is for our students,” says Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt. “Just 78% of our 3rd graders were physically in a classroom this past spring. Fortunately, we have identified students in need of additional supports, and many of them are now taking part in our Summer Reading Program.”
LaShakia Moore, Flagler Schools incoming Director of Teaching and Learning says the district is already addressing the challenges some of our students face following the 2020-21 school year. “With our students back in our buildings, I am confident that through explicit, systematic instruction and progress monitoring implemented by our highly qualified educators, our students will regain the momentum we experienced pre-COVID.“
During the 2020-21 school year, Flagler Schools offered three learning environments. In addition to the 78% of 3rd graders in “in-person” learning, 17% took part in our innovative, or “RemoteLive” option, while 5% enrolled in the iFlagler Virtual Franchise.
Media Release: Flagler Schools, Jason Wheeler. Information Specialist
