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Final Set Of FCAT 2.0 Scores Reveal Tougher Scoring Standard

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – As the school year comes to a close, the final set of scores from this year's Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test were released Tuesday and state education officials said the scores are better than they expected but South Florida numbers were lower than the state average in most cases.

Officials had warned scores would be lower with the new 2.0 test and more rigorous scoring scheme.

Here's how the numbers breakdown:

In Reading, 57-percent of students statewide scored on or above grade level in grades 3 through 10.

Broward County Public School students in grades 3 through 10 also came in at 57-percent. The number was lower in Miami-Dade with only 54-percent of students scoring on or above grade level.

In Math, the statewide figure was also 57-percent in grades 3 through 8.

In Broward, the number was higher with 60-percent but it was lower in Miami-Dade with 56-percent.

Students in fifth and eighth grade also took a Science FCAT.

Statewide, 51-percent of students in 5th grade performed at or above the level 3 achievement level.

The numbers were lower in South Florida.  In Broward it was 49-percent and in Miami-Dade, it was 48-percent.

The 8th grade numbers were pretty dismal as well.

Statewide, 46-percent of students in 8th grade performed at or above the level 3 achievement level.

Again, the numbers were even lower in South Florida. In Broward, only 45-percent of 8th graders passed and in Miami-Dade, it was 43-percent.

"Florida is leading the nation by preparing our children for more challenging Common Core Standards and assessments. I applaud our students and teachers for their inspired efforts," said Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. "Our state has spent more than a decade reforming public education and we know that sound transition takes time and patience. Florida's children will compete for the jobs of tomorrow and we must do everything possible to ensure that they are ready. We cannot be fearful of change and the ambitious goals set before us. We will meet them together and I am confident that our students are on the path to success."

FCAT scores are a major factor in school grades expected to be released in three or four weeks. The A-to-F grades are used to reward and sanction schools.

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