Pinellas County Schools continues path of academic excellence

The Florida Department of Education released the 2023 district- and student-level results for the following assessments: grades 3-10 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) Progress Monitoring 3 (PM3) in English Language Arts and Mathematics, Statewide Science Assessments, as well as End-of- Course exams in Algebra 1, Geometry Civics and U.S History. Pinellas County Schools’ students continue to move in a positive direction with FAST and EOC scores.

“I am incredibly proud of the results of our students in this first year with new assessments. The dedication of all stakeholders working together is how we will continue our trajectory of academic excellence,” said Superintendent Kevin Hendrick. “The new PM system and immediacy of the results gives students, teachers and families the roadmap to provide targeted support throughout the year. As a district, we will continue to expand experiences and programming which promotes growth for every student in Pinellas County Schools.”

District Summary:

• In FAST ELA PM3, the district and the state demonstrated 50% proficiency in grades 3-10 on the new assessments. Pinellas County Schools outpaced the state in grades 3, 5 and 7, while also being commensurate in grades 4 and 8.
  • Among the largest districts in the state, the district outpaced Hillsborough, Orange and Pasco counties.
• In FAST Mathematics PM3, the district outpaced the state by three-percentage points with 59% proficiency in grades 3-8 on the new assessments. Pinellas County Schools outpaced the state in grades 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8.
  • Among the largest districts in the state, the district outpaced Broward, Hillsborough, Orange, Palm Beach and Pasco counties and was commensurate with Miami-Dade.
• In the Geometry End-of-Course exam, the district outpaced the state with demonstrated 97% proficiency for students in grades 8 or lower with students in grades 9-12 at 42% proficient.
  • Among the largest districts in the state for grades 8 or lower, the district outpaced Broward, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Orange and Palm Beach counties.
  • Among the largest districts in the state for grades 9-12, the district outpaced Broward and Orange counties.
• End-of-Course results for Algebra I demonstrated an 11-percentage point increase to 86% proficiency for students in grades 8 or lower and a two-percentage point increase to 28% proficiency for students in grades 9-12.
  • Among the largest districts in the state for all grades combined, the district outpaced Broward, Orange, Palm Beach and Pasco counties.
• In the Statewide Science Assessment, the district continues to be a state leader with 60% proficiency in grade 5 and outpaced the state by nine-percentage points. In grade 8, the district demonstrated a two- percentage point increase to 47% proficiency, commensurate with the overall state percentage.
  • Among the largest districts in the state for grade 5, the district outpaced all counties and ranked in the top ten for the state.
  • Among the largest districts in the state for grade 8, the district outpaced Pasco and Hillsborough counties and were commensurate with Palm Beach and Broward counties.
• In the Biology End-of-Course exam, the district remained at 59% proficiency.
• End-of-Course results for Civics demonstrated a two-percentage point increase to 68% proficiency. In US History the district proficiency was 59%.
  • In Civics, among the largest districts in the state, the district outpaced Broward, Hillsborough, Orange and Palm Beach counties and was commensurate with Miami-Dade.

While the state is recognizing a narrowing of student achievement gaps, the data released today does not allow the district to immediately assess achievement gaps by sub-groups. It is anticipated that FDOE initial, baseline school grades will be issued in late fall 2023 following state-determined cut scores being set for the new FAST assessments.