M E M O R A N D U M
To: Honorable Members of the Town Council
From: Mayor Peggy R. Bell
Date: April 15, 2015
Re: Educational Accountability & Assessment System Changes
REQUESTTitle
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CUTLER BAY, FLORIDA, REQUESTING CHANGES TO FLORIDA'S ACCOUNTABILITY/ASSESSMENT SYSTEM; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
During the past year, students within the Miami-Dade County School System were faced with completing the new Florida Department of Education Accountability/Assessment test. Many of the parents and students expressed their concerns regarding the particular wording of questions and instructions found within the accountability/assessment tests. The unnecessary and additional stress to the students having to complete a new assessment test, different from the FCAT from previous years, has a direct correlation in reported lower test scores. In meeting with School District Staff/Administrators, it would indicate the lower test scores can be attributed to a direct result of the students' unfamiliarity with the format of the accountability/assessment test.
Please join me in formally requesting that the Florida Department of Education extend the time for proper transition of the new assessment accountability standards by one (1) year. This extension will allow the State to conduct additional field testing in our local schools and throughout the State.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the attached Resolution be adopted, requesting changes to the State of Florida's accountability/assessment system and providing for an effective date.