TALLAHASSEE — A measure aimed at streamlining the state’s school-grading system and pausing the most serious consequences for some schools is one step away from Gov. Rick Scott’s desk.
The Republican-controlled House readied the bill (SB 1642) for passage Tuesday, batting away complaints from Democrats that the proposal still doesn’t give schools enough time to prepare for a new state test set to be used in the coming school year.
Modeled on a blueprint developed by Education Commissioner Pam Stewart, the plan is an effort to simplify the confusing grading formula, making it easier for school administrators and parents to understand the marks.
The measure would also do away with the penalties schools could currently receive for the grades assigned in the 2014-15 school year. That move is in part an effort to make up for the state switching from the FCAT, now in use, to an exam crafted by the American Institutes for Research.
