Is Florida's Ed Commish, Gerrald Robinson more interested in history than our children?

From the Olando Sentinel's editorial board

Now more than four months into office, state Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson wants to leave an indelible first impression on Florida's scholastic future.

His footprint.

An incremental tweak at this time makes more sense. That's why the State Board of Education, which tomorrow makes the final call, should step on Robinson's toes — and adopt the panels' top standard.

The boosted rigor of Florida's recently revised FCAT 2.0 demanded for the first time in a decade a new set of cut scores. These scores help mark whether pupils perform above, below or at grade level.

Earlier, a school superintendent-led reactor panel recommended higher minimums. And it also smoothed out scoring to equalize the percentage of students passing the test across grades since students in earlier grades fare better on the test.

Then in stepped Robinson.

Overruling a standard-setting panel isn't uncommon. Yet, critics note Robinson's higher cut scores not only would herd some students deemed proficient by other standardized tests into remedial classes, but Florida's newly record-setting graduation rates would tumble.

Under his plan, the share of 10th-graders passing the FCAT reading exam might fall from 60 percent to 52 percent (56 percent under the reactor panel's plan).

Two scale points separate the proposals. But what a difference a point makes. A single point higher means an additional 3,800 pupils might not hear "Pomp and Circumstance" when their class graduates.

In lower grades, too, there would be "blood on the table," as Orange Superintendent Ron Blocker put it. More third-graders would fall short on FCAT reading and face retention and remediation — a task that would require more teachers and resources. School grades would plummet.

Robinson insists his stricter standard better prepares Florida students to excel in college. A worthy goal. But critics rightly question whether raising cut scores so just 52 percent of students pass the FCAT — as opposed to, say, 56 percent — will better realize that goal.

Then, springing Robinson's standard — which would go into effect this school year — on the current crop of high-school sophomores who are halfway through the school year isn't exactly fair.

Prudence dictates the State Board listen to the reactor panel's plan, which we have supported. One that adds more rigor, with less blood on the table.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/os-ed-cut-scores-121811-20111216,0,2188927.story