Third Grade FCAT Scores Up Slightly

LAKELAND | Third-grade reading and math scores in the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test edged up in Polk County this year, but the county as a whole still lags behind the state.

Nineteen percent of third graders failed the reading test versus 21 percent last year. Florida’s failing third graders dropped from 19 to 16 percent.

Third graders risk being held back if they don’t pass the FCAT reading test.

Polk’s third graders scored an average of 305 on the reading test, up from 303 last year. In Florida, the average score was 313, up from 309.

Third-grade FCAT math scores also edged up this year. Polk scores improved from 321 to 326. In Florida scores rose 328 to 333.

A complete report will be in Thursday's Ledger.