By Nicki Hensley
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has released the 2018-2019 school and district grades, with Brevard County earning an “A” district status for the third year in a row.
The DOE calculates school grades annually based on up to 11 components, including student achievement and learning gains on statewide standardized assessments and high school graduation rates. Based on the total number of points earned, Brevard Public Schools:
- Ranks #1 in the state when compared to other districts of the same size or larger.
- Increased its state ranking from 19 to 14 (out of 67 districts).
- Outranked the state in the percentage of A/B schools (70% of BPS schools are “A” or “B”).
- Boasts 23 schools that increased in letter grades (of the 23, Columbia and Roy Allen Elementary increased by 2 letter grades (Columbia from a “D” to a “B,” and Roy Allen from a “C” to “A”).
“I am so very proud of our educators, school leaders and staff for their enduring commitment to the students of Brevard County,” said Dr. Mark Mullins, superintendent, Brevard Public Schools. “This is fantastic news for our district and a testament to the focused work of our teachers to not only equip and prepare our kids academically, but make a positive impact on their lives and the future of our great county. It is also important to recognize the hard work and best efforts of our students. This is truly a shared achievement.”
For the first time in three years, there are no “D” or failing public schools in Brevard County. Equally inspiring, four of the District’s Title 1-designated schools; Columbia, Dr. W.J. Creel, Endeavour and Golfview, increased their letter grades this past year. Of particular note, Endeavour Elementary, the county’s only “community partnership school” rose to a C, after several years as a “D” school, and prior to that, an “F” (in 2013).
According to FDOE, school grades are a vital component of Florida’s accountability systems. They not only enable parents to make informed decisions about their child’s education, but provide the State Board of Education with data that helps drive reforms at consistently low performing schools.
