More information

For more information about school grades and the new formula, visit http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/.

Grading high schools

In previous years, scores and learning gains on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test determined a high school's grade. That changed this year. A high school can earn 1,600 points, of which 800 come from FCAT scores and learning gains. The other 800 points for 2009-10 were determined with this new formula:

- Graduation rate (200 points) determined by the percentage of students graduating with standard or special diplomas within four years of first enrolling in ninth grade, adjusting for transfers. The percentage is double weighted.

- Graduation rate of at-risk students (100 points) considers the graduation rate of students who scored a one or two (out of five possible points) on the eighth grade FCAT in both reading and math.

- Accelerated curriculum participation (200 points) considers students in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Advance International Certificate of Education, dual enrollment and industry certifications. The state measures the combined weighted student participation count and divides it by the total number of students in 11th and 12th grade. Students in ninth and 10th grade can be included if they pass the associated tests or, for dual enrollment, pass the class. The percentage for this category is double weighted.

- Accelerated curriculum performance (100 points) measures the weighted successful completion in accelerated classes or tests and divides it by the number of students participating in the accelerated course work.

- College readiness (100 points for math, 100 points for reading) measures for each subject the number of students scoring ready on the SAT, ACT or the College Placement Test.

- Schools could receive bonus points for each area if performance improved, and they could lose points if performance declined. Also, schools can lose grades in some cases if they don't make adequate progress in learning gains of the lowest performing students or if the graduation rate for at-risk students isn't at 75 percent or show sufficient annual improvement.

The formula will change in the next few years. For instance, performance in advanced courses or related exams will weigh an equal amount as participation.

Source: The Florida Department of Education

High school grading system

A: 1,050 points or more. Meets adequate progress of lowest students in reading and math and in graduating at-risk students. Tests 95 percent or more of eligible students.

B: 990 to 1,049 points. Meets adequate progress of lowest students in reading and math within two years. Tests 90 percent or more of eligible students.

C: 870 to 989 points. Meets adequate progress of lowest students in reading and math within two years. Tests 90 percent or more of eligible students.

D: 790 to 869 points. Tests at least 90 percent of eligible students.

F: Fewer than 790 points.