Florida high school grades rise again in 2011
Florida high schools have raised their grades again.
State education officials announced Wednesday that 78 percent received an A or B in 2011. That compares to 71 percent the previous year.
Several South Florida schools made major improvements this year. In Miami-Dade County, Miami Coral Park Senior High and Miami Southridge Senior High went from a D to an A. G. Holmes Braddock Senior High went from a C to an A, and Miami Jackson Senior High and Miami Northwestern Senior High went from a D to a B.
In Broward County, 14 district schools and three charter schools received an A this year, and 12 district high schools received a B. McArthur High and Blanche Ely High went from a C to an A.
Just six high schools got an F compared to 11 in 2010.
High school grades were based entirely on scores from the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test -- or FCAT -- until 2010. That's when other factors were added, including graduation rates and participation in advanced classes.
High school grades increased sharply under the new system in 2010. While that trend continued in 2011, it could end this year because the state has made it harder to pass the FCAT.
Schools that received an A or improve by a letter grade will receive cash awards of $70 per student.
Click here for more information on the school grades.
