The wait for school grades is finally over and of Brevard’s 69 elementary and middle schools who received their grades today, 99 percent received an A or B.   According to data released today by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), 53 Brevard Public Schools (BPS) elementary schools received an A, 3 received a B, and 1 received a C.  All BPS middle schools are again A schools, for the fifth consecutive year.   None of district’s schools received a grade of D or F (these results exclude charter schools). These results contributed to the district receiving an overall grade of A from the DOE for the seventh consecutive year, giving (BPS) a ranking of fourth in the state, behind St. John, Gilchrist and Seminole Counties.  Due to the new process for calculating high school grades, Florida high schools are not expected to receive grades until November.

“As we welcome over 72,000 students back to our classrooms, I want to thank the parents, teachers, staff, and Brevard communities for all they do to enhance the lives of our students.  Their commitment to student learning is reflected in the results we see today,” stated Dr. Brian T. Binggeli, Superintendent of Schools.

The release of the 2010 grades was delayed until today, because of two outside audits of this year's Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Superintendents from around the state had raised concerns about possible anomalies with the scores.  However, on Wednesday, Education Commissioner Eric Smith said the scores are valid and are not unusual.  The audits show that the figures fit within historical testing data patterns.  Commissioner Smith did say, however, that districts might expect to see a drop in the number of A and B schools across the state, particularly at the elementary level, based on this year’s results.  And in a conference call today, FLDOE representatives acknowledged that 33 percent or 1/3 of elementary schools in the state did drop at least 1 letter grade.  For BPS only 5 percent of elementary schools dropped a letter grade while 4 percent increased.

“We are very pleased that our elementary and middle schools did not experience the predicted decrease in grades due to the penalty imposed by the FLDOE for schools who do not meet the learning needs of our most struggling students,” continued Dr. Binggeli.  “As we wait for our high school grades, we will continue to use our results to assist us in strengthening instructional programs for all students.”

School grades for elementary and middle schools are based on student performance on the FCAT, which assesses student understanding of the Florida Sunshine State Standards in reading, math, writing and science. Schools earn points based on student results. For 2009-2010, grades were based on the following point scale: 525+ points equals an A; 495-524 points equals a B; 435-494 points equals  a C; 395-434 points equals a D; anything less than 395 equals  an F. The state assesses a penalty of one letter grade if a school does not record at least half of its lowest 25 percent of struggling students as making learning gains in reading or math.

According to the FLDOE, Senate Bill 1908 (2008 Legislative Session) required a significant change to the way high schools are graded beginning with the 2009-10 school year.  In addition to FCAT scores, the law requires an equal focus be placed on access to and performance in rigorous, accelerated coursework; college readiness; and graduation rates for all students as well as those academically at-risk.  The inclusion of these requirements delay the release of high school grades until the state completes the calculation of graduation rates, which is predicted to be sometime in November.  

BPS Grade Overview

• Two Brevard schools, Endeavour Elementary and University Park Elementary, improved their grades.  Endeavour Elementary saw the greatest improvement, going from a D to an A.  University Park improved their grade from a B to an A.  According to Mecheall Giombetti, former principal of Endeavour Elementary, “My first thought…We Did It!  Upon reflection, this achievement is the result of the undeniable faith, perseverance, and collaborative efforts of many students, teachers, staff, and community members.  Sometimes our hardest won battles are life’s greatest reward.  It has been my honor to be a part of the Endeavour Community for the past eight years.  Everyone there, especially the students, will be in my heart always.  I wish them continued success—there is nothing they can’t accomplish through effort and perseverance.”  For the 2010-2011 school year, Giombetti is principal of Suntree Elementary and Betsy Butler assumes the role of principal at Endeavour Elementary.
• All 12 of Brevard’s middle schools are A schools – for the fifth consecutive year.  Richard Myers, Principal of Kennedy Middle School, which has been an A school for nine consecutive years said, “I just announced to my faculty and staff about our grade and they responded with a huge cheer.  I am very proud of the consistent efforts of our students and staff.  An A grade does not happen by chance, and the tremendous support schools receive from the district makes all of this possible.”
•  Three schools did see drops in their school grades.  Cambridge Elementary and Harbor City Elementary went from an A to a B, and Golfview Elementary went from an A to a C.
• Brevard’s charter schools are independent public schools that the district monitors but does not govern.  Of the seven charter schools in Brevard who received grades, 5 charter schools received an A, 1 charter school received a C, and 1 charter school, Palm Bay Community Charter School – Patriot Campus, dropped from a B to a D. Parents and community members may view school grades at the education department's website.