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   Project NeedA review of FCAT data for 13 districts in northwest Florida (Table 1), representing 12 Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (Washington County - District of Record) member districts and one participating district gives room for both optimism and concern. In the science area based upon 2006 FCAT results, the highest possible mean scale score is 500, however, among targeted districts, the mean scale score for Grade 5 was 293 (State - 299), Grade 8 was 281 (State - 289) and Grade 11 was 290 (State - 298).Of the five achievement levels with level 5 representing highest achievement, the groups mentioned above have 74% of 5th graders scoring in levels one and two; 74% of the 8th graders in levels 1 and 2 and 73% of the 11th graders scoring in levels one and two. Perhaps, most disappointing is the low number of students scoring at the highest levels, 4 and 5. If it is a goal that more students pursue a career or academic discipline in science, then the number of students performing at the higher levels is required. Districts included in this proposal, at all three grade levels tested in science, had more students occupying the lower levels than the results indicate for the overall state totals (Table 4). As confirmed by the 2006 FCAT results alone, the basis for the need to provide intensive and immersive science inquiry experiences through professional development for teachers, in the catchment area for this funding proposal as well as for Florida, statewide, is compelling. |