Student standardized tests show mixed results for local counties

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The statewide standardized test scores for public school students in Florida have been released, and the results are mixed for Panhandle districts.

Students are required to take the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (F.A.S.T) three times a year. The tests measure proficiency in reading, writing and math.

The results are especially crucial for 3rd grade students in the state, as the score on the Spring English Language Arts exam is tied to promotion to the next grade level.

NewsChannel 7 is taking a closer look at the Spring scores for 3rd graders. A score of 3 or higher shows a student is proficient at reading at or above grade level. Statewide, 57% of 3rd graders are reading at or above grade level. The percentages were lower than the statewide percentage for two Panhandle counties, Bay and Gulf. In Walton and Calhoun, 68% of 3rd graders are at or above grade level, the highest percentage out of the local counties.

The percentages listed below show 3rd grade students who scored Level 3 or above in the Spring English Language Arts assessment. Here’s how the districts stack up.

Statewide: 57%

Bay County: 53%

Calhoun County: 68%

Franklin County: 60%

Gulf County: 49%

Holmes County: 57%

Jackson County: 61%

Liberty County: 57%

Okaloosa County: 59%

Walton County: 68%

Washington County: 59%

If you would like to see the full data set for all grade levels, subject areas and districts, click here.

Bay District School officials tell us they expect school and district grades to be released by the state later this month.

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