Florida Narrows Student Achievement Gaps in New Assessment Results

Florida Department of Education | By Press Office | June 28, 2022

~ African American students, students from economically disadvantaged families, and Hispanic students had gains on all Mathematics and ELA metrics ~

Tallahassee, Fla., June 28, 2022 – Today, Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. announced the 2022 statewide assessment results for Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA), which show African American students, students from economically disadvantaged families, and Hispanic students had gains on all Mathematics and ELA metrics. These results continue to demonstrate that Florida’s efforts to keep students in the classroom without disruptions have been especially effective at ensuring the most vulnerable students do not fall behind. The Florida Department of Education will continue to utilize every resource available to improve student achievement, including utilizing progress monitoring, offering early literacy support, and investing record funding into Florida’s students and teachers.

“Every child deserves access to the best possible education available, regardless of income or background,” said Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “Today’s increases – spanning grade levels, subject areas, and demographics – would not have been possible without our hard-working teachers and staff and their dedication to student success. Now is the time to double-down on our efforts to accelerate student outcomes.”

All student subgroups increased or maintained performance at Level 3 and above in ELA and Mathematics, compared to 2021. Additionally, achievement gaps narrowed between White and African American students in 3rd to 10th Grade ELA, 3rd to 8th Grade Mathematics, and Algebra 1, and between White and Hispanic students in 3rd to 8th Grade Mathematics and 3rd to 10th Grade ELA.

Key Takeaways from Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) and End of Course (EOC) Assessments:

• Statewide performance improved in all Mathematics metrics with a score increase in 3rd to 8th Grade Mathematics (FSA and EOCs combined) by 4 percentage points, Geometry by 3 percentage points, and Algebra 1 by 2 percentage points.
• African American students increased performance by 6 percentage points in 3rd to 8th Grade Mathematics (FSA and EOCs combined), 5 percentage points in Algebra 1, 3 percentage points in Geometry, and 1 percentage point in 3rd to 10th Grade ELA.
• Students from economically disadvantaged families increased performance by 6 percentage points in 3rd to 8th Grade Mathematics (FSA and EOCs combined), 5 percentage points in Geometry, 4 percentage points in Algebra 1, and 1 percentage point in 3rd to 10th Grade ELA.
• Hispanic students increased performance by 6 percentage points in 3rd to 8th Grade Mathematics (FSA and EOCs combined), 3 percentage points in Geometry, 2 percentage points in Algebra 1, and 1 percentage point in 3rd to 10th Grade ELA.
• Overall, performance was maintained at Level 3 and above (52%) for 3rd to 10th Grade ELA.

Overall Statewide Comparison

Compared to 2021, students improved in Mathematics and maintained achievement in ELA on the statewide assessments.

• 3rd to 8th Grade Mathematics (FSA and EOCs combined) performance increased by 4 percentage points (51% to 55%).
• Algebra 1 performance increased by 2 percentage points (47% to 49%).
• Geometry performance increased by 3 percentage points (46% to 49%).
• 3rd to 10th Grade ELA performance was maintained (52%).

To view the statewide and district-level results, visit: https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/results/2022.stml.