Panama City- There were more questions than answers Monday following the Department of Eduation's release of the preliminary FCAT writing scores.

"My heart dropped really," said Breakfast Point Academy teacher Amanda Walker.

School districts received a short powerpoint showing the state's overall performance in grades four, eight, and ten, and the news wasn't good.

"It's a terrible thing to hear," said Walker.

In 2011, 80% of students in the tenth grade scored a four or higher on the standardized test. In 2012, just 38% managed to make a passing grade. Eighth graders followed the same pattern with 82% passing last year, only 33% this year. Fourth grade scores were the worst. 81% scored a four or higher in 2011. This year that number fell to a staggering 27%.

"That's an astronomical drop," said Walker.

Walker said she was at a loss given the amount of time she spent preparing her class.

"That kind of drop would indicate that it's not really a problem with the students," said Walker.

But without a county by county breakdown of the scores, Bay District administrators said they're in the same boat as teachers and parents playing the waiting game.

"We don't know our scores yet. We may have faired better than we think," said Bay District Coordinator of Assestment and Accountability Camilla Hudson.

The Department of Education will be holding an emergency meeting Tuesday to discuss the results.