A quick question: What can children be able to read and write for Florida’s future, or what can we be able to warehouse undocumented immigrants at the Everglades camp?
A simple answer, I know, but I had to ask. Because both made news last week. I’m going to get politics. Demonizes undocumented immigrants and prostrates Donald Trump before it becomes the new routine for elected Republicans. However, the latest snapshot of Florida student performance is worth far more serious attention. That’s especially true when the person in charge is praising themselves in the face of widespread and deep-rooted failure.
The Florida Department of Education has released the latest figures on proficiency among Florida students in grade level coursework. Required by Florida law, the test is designed to measure students’ learning benefits and preparation for promotion to the next grade throughout the school year.
Of the survey results, 57% of students in grades 3 to 10 scored in grades and above in reading, while 59% of students in grades 3 to 8 met or exceeded their expectations in grade level mathematics. This year’s results have been achieved, if modest, beyond 2024.
In a press release, Gov. Ron Desantis praised the results as evidence that “our approach paid off.” State Board of Education Manny Diaz Jr. said the findings assert that Florida is “making change” by “providing the best opportunities for students.” DeSantis Aide Anastacio Camoutes, the recently appointed aide to take over Diaz as a board of education, praised the results as “a prime example of how Florida has changed education for the better.”
First, let’s admit the obvious. These tests are good. By monitoring progress throughout the year, teachers can spot learning gaps in real time and give students the special attention they need to successfully transition to higher grades. For school administrators, the assessment also provides a roadmap to improve educational resources and support programs.
But when almost half of Florida students can do grade level work, no one should scream. After all, these scores reflect the ability of students at the end of the school year, and students are ready to enter their next grade. Over 40% cannot acquire previous year’s learning points due to chronic failure rather than “better education.” Don’t spare cheerleading because this is dangerous for the next generation of giant belts.
Acquire long-conceived third-grade reading skills that predict a child’s future academic success and potential for lifelong revenue. In 10 of the state’s 67 counties, the majority of third-graders scored below reading grade level. Proficiency reached just 38% in Gadsden County. This will bring nearly 9,000 third-year students in these 10 counties alone. The statewide year-over-year improvement in reading for grades 3-5 was anemia, with proficiency rising to 56%, two percentage points higher than 2024. The needle is moving, but it is barely moving.
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Look at the maths of the fifth grade, and the numbers are even worse. In 24 counties, the majority of fifth graders were unable to handle grade level math. It is more than a third of all counties in the state. In some counties, including Franklin, Hamilton and Madison, more than two-thirds of students under the grade scored. This is more than 25,000 fifth graders from the county that can’t manage mathematics for fifth graders. And while many come from rural poor areas, thousands live in larger, urbanized counties, including Pork (4,761), Lee (4,293) and Osceola (3,344).
Show us a company where 40% of employees can’t do their job. I’ll show you the company that’s going out of business. It’s a ridiculous level of failure that’s hard to imagine. Florida has tens of thousands of children who can’t control the grade level they are at. And the state is not hindering them. Most students who perform poorly will receive exemptions to prevent them from being retained. Because of anger towards social promotion.
This issue is a time bomb. These kids who are not ready for primary school earlier than you notice are looking for a full-time job. It’s no wonder Florida business leaders are raising alarms. A recent report by the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation found a “significant gap” between Florida’s K-12 mathematics curriculum and the skills needed for a modern economy. “Business leaders have expressed concern about lack of employee preparation,” the report concluded, calling for new mentoring, internship programs and close collaboration between educators and businesses.
The governor and Trump held a peer session on Tuesday to milk the crocodile Alcatraz for another political stunt. Where are our priorities?
