MIAMI-DADE — Miami-Dade County public schools outperformed neighboring counties, as well as the state, in the percentage of high schools with performance grades of “A”, according to data released by the Florida Department of Education.
For the first time in many years, a school district statement said, no traditional public high school in Miami-Dade was rated “F.” That compares with four years ago when seven district high schools had an “F” grade.
“This is the most dramatic academic performance improvement in the history of our school district,” School Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said in the statement. “From three years ago, we doubled the number of As from 15 to 31, increased the number of Bs by 33 percent, decreased the number of Ds by 43 percent and eliminated “F” [from] high schools, many of which reside in some of our most challenging and impoverished communities. Our principals and teachers deserve this community’s gratitude, respect and congratulations.”
Under the state’s expanded high school grading system, which takes into consideration student outcomes including graduation rates, as well as student participation and performance in advanced coursework, 49 percent of Miami-Dade’s full-component high schools received grades of “A” this year, compared to 31 percent statewide.
Another eight schools in Miami-Dade received grades based only on FCAT scores. When those schools are factored in, the percentage of A-rated high schools rises to 53 percent, the statement said.
“The data demonstrate that our schools are succeeding at preparing students for college and for the work force,” Carvalho said. “These outcomes are a precursor to the future economic viability and development of our community.”
Photo: School Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho
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