New Law Changes School Grading

CLERMONT -- The start of July brought new laws throughout the state of Florida and one could directly benefit kids. For years, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test has determined overall school grades for every school throughout the state of Florida. But, state lawmakers have decided that starting next year, the test will not be the only element factored into the school grades anymore. According to the new law, elements such as Scholastic Aptitude Test scores and graduation rates will now be considered when determining overall school grades. Lawmakers say there has been too much weight put on the FCAT over the years. In Lake County, the FCAT has been used to figure out, not only where schools rank academically, but the grades have also been used when determining where administrators stand. Superintendent Anna Cowen said... [read full story]