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Carver/Century’s ‘B’ Grade Really A ‘D’ Without The Benefit Of State Rule
January 12, 2009
Carver/Century K-8 School’s grade improved only due to the use of district averages rather than the school’s actual FCAT scores.
NorthEscambia.com has learned that while the Florida Department of Education awarded the school “B” status last school year, that grade would have actually been a “D” if it were not for a little known rule that allows a district average to be used at a school where less than 30 students are tested.
“In writing and science, Carver received the district average because there were less than 20 students tested,” Escambia School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas (pictured left) said.
Carver/Century’s weighted district average score in writing was 82 percent, when only 25 percent of the students actually passed the writing FCAT given to fourth and eighth graders. Only five of 20 students that took the writing FCAT at the Century school met state standards.
On the science FCAT given to students in fifth and eighth grades, Carver/Century received a 42 percentile score, the district average. In reality, the school’s actual score would have been a 24 if it were not for the 30 student rule. Of the 25 students taking the science FCAT at Carver/Century, only six passed.
“Without the group size restrictions, Carver’s school grade would have been a ‘D’,” Thomas said. Carver/Century scored a “D” in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and an “F” in 2007 before receiving the weighted “B” score in 2008.
Thomas has cited the poor school grades as just one reason why he will recommend to the Escambia County School Board that Carver/Century K-8 School be closed at the end of this school year. Students will redistricted to Bratt Elementary and Ernest Ward Middle School. Both schools have been “A” rated schools for the past several years.
Bratt Elementary has been ranked as an “A” school each year from 2004 to 2008. Ernest Ward was a “C” school in 2004 and a “B” school in 2005. From 2006 to 2008, Ernest Ward has been ranked as an “A” school by the Florida Department of Education.
“I am going to send them to the number one school in the entire county,” Thomas said of the students moving from Carver/Century to Bratt. Bratt was ranked this past school year as Escambia County’s best overall school.
Comments
25 Responses to “Carver/Century’s ‘B’ Grade Really A ‘D’ Without The Benefit Of State Rule”
Now isn’t the truth ugly. Yes, sometimes it is. Many have known for the past 20 -27 years, I’ve known that there are TEACHERS, yes, I said it, TEACHERS who should not have been at Caver or Century. Some commanded such a Personal Presents and knowing the right people in P’cola/county ups, that parents and co-workers were afraid to say anything. But the results speak for themselves. Teachers past from school to school then they end up at one of these schools or now one school, C/C. Ask some TEACHERS, facult;y, How many schools have you taught in? Some TEACHERS have been to eight or more schools just in Escambia Fl?AL.. You combine this with the enviorment, parent support, (there wasn’t any) economy of the people and it is complete disaster! Those that work and worked at these school knew and know the truth. Over the last 6-8 years it has been a spiral downward. It was not one thing but many who caused this death.
Just out of knowing if this is true ask or better yet visit the school now or just ask around. Some former students, who teach there now are there. Ma;ybe they will finally admit what goes/went on.
former student and now parent
Another thought on the subjective “B” grade. Weren’t FCAT performance bonuses paid out to Carver/Century due to the phantom increase in the “grade?” If so, how much money was “given” away, and if this happened, it’s a slap in the face to the schools that really did earn a good grade on the test.
This sort of goes along with what teacher was saying.
When I was a student, I sort of liked portables. I really loved the fact that they had their own air conditioning unit! They seemed better organized and maybe even roomier.
Well, that all changed when I was in seventh grade. We had a tornado touch down dangerously close to the school. Our class had to run WAY across campus to the nearest sturdy structure. That was totally terrifying to have to run for my life when debris was circling everywhere. Every day since I was really scared to have class in a portable.
Portable classrooms may be better constructed now, I guess. That was in the 90’s.
David Leroy said:
“SO WHAT WE ARE DOING IS MIXING A “D” WITH AN “A”. IT SEEM TO ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS STILL GOING TO BE THERE. YOU ARE ONLY GOING TO
AVERAGE THESE KID IN WITH THE OTHERS AT BRATT AND ERNEST WARD.
WHY NOT FIX THE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF HIDDING IT.”
So not true. You are not going to “fix” low performing students just by snapping your fingers. However mixing them in with high performing peers is one of the ways to help to fix it. If you always keep them with low performing peers they know no better. Set a better example for them, raise the bar, and the students of this county will live up to it. I’ve seen it happen over and over.
SO WHAT WE ARE DOING IS MIXING A “D” WITH AN “A”. IT SEEM TO ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS STILL GOING TO BE THERE. YOU ARE ONLY GOING TO
AVERAGE THESE KID IN WITH THE OTHERS AT BRATT AND ERNEST WARD.
WHY NOT FIX THE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF HIDDING IT. LET REMEMBER THAT
WE ELECTED JIM PAUL JR.
Taxpayer… My comments were on all the bellyaching about portable classrooms and how some think that they are not conducive to learning, not the mode of transportation used to get to school. Please be more attentive in the future.
#1 to address the issues of portables
People get over the whole aspect of portable equals a shed. These portables are brought in from other schools and refurbished on site. I taught my first 4 years in a portable. I actually preferred it over being in the main building. Believe it or not depending on which school site you are at there are definite advantages to being in a portable. All of these portables have a restroom in them, this eliminates all of the downtime that comes from having to line your entire class up and take them to the restrooms down the hall as in some facilties. Many of them also have water fountains which help for the same reasons. The portables are great for noise control. Have you ever been in a 2 story school and experienced the noise that comes from the floor above you? I have. It is extremely distracting to both the students and the teacher. Trust me these portables are just as good and sometimes better than many of our core facility classrooms. The only thing that can not be put into a portable classroom is a phone line, and so what who wants the teacher on the phone during the school day anyway.
#2 The Superintendent’s sharing of the truth of the school grade.
Okay people you wanted and elected a leader who told you he would give you transparency like you’ve never had before. Guess what now you’ve got it. Don’t sit there and complain well we didn’t know that. Of course you didn’t because no other administration would take the time to explain it to you in this way and admit that the school wasn’t truly a B. So no there is no trickery, no dishonesty, or foolery. This is simply transparency of the rules of the state, how they work, and how the tricks of these rules impact each and every school’s grade. Don’t like it? Contact your legistlator, nothing the superintendent can do about it.
#3 As far as worrying about who benefits from the building and the $1 and year deal with the church.
Get over it. You can not blame the current superintendent for the mistakes and decisions of the past administration. Mr. Thomas has laid out his reasons for you. The community has shown that it doesn’t truly believe in this school by its own uninvolvement in the school; check the declining enrollment. You can not continue to run a school that is loosing a million dollars a year. Not in these economic times of deep budget cuts and layoffs, you must be able to separate your emotions from your budget and logic in this case.
“Chuck”
Come on…really, back when Abe Lincoln went to School..everyone walked or road horses, Now everyone rides a bus….even you could come up with something better I’m sure! fact is Everyone is “ONLY” looking out for their own little piece of the pie! I have no dog in this hunt. But it is Amazing to read into the battle lines drawn by both Ernestward and the Century folks? ture fact here is Molino was originally Constructed and this plan was SOLD to the taxpayers as a K-8, which in turn would have solved both issues! But again the normal School District Politics came into Play and knowing this would have Closed E.W.M.S they choose to make Molino a Elem. Site! Taxpayers take it again? Poor Leadership and everyone knows it!
About the Commit from “Who Cares” Your 100% RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but until the political problems are solved and the Family issues are removed, this is what happens in the end..and really I don’t care what anyone say’s all students deserve to attend class in a nice enviroment..not stuck in a hall closet or portable. ask the students which they would prefer?
There should be one school for k thru 8. Kids should go to school togrther and then to Northview.
Amazing how this grading business is suddenly the topic from the Superintendent. Justification I guess is the thought with this one. I guess thats the only valid reason in his opinion that he can come up with to close down the school there. Probably take about 50 buses to get him over there if they rely on downtown to make the busing decisions.
Well said Ernest Ward Parent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have children who attend Ernest Ward this year, and they both have classes in the two portables that are presently being used. If you have gripes about portables, you should go take a look at what you’re complaining about. Those portables are no different than a classroom in the main building. They have heat, air conditioning, carpet, and more techology than many other schools in the system. They are close to the main building, and the students are brought inside for class when the weather is real bad. Portables have gotten a bad name, and it’s just not justified. I would have no problem with my children having classes in portables like those at EW all day long. Carver students should have no problems at EW if they come to learn and not cause behavior problems.
For those of you complaining about portables…ponder this . Abe Lincoln went to school in a building that most of you would’nt keep you’re dog in, and went on to become one of the greatest leaders of our country. It’s not where you learn , it’s the will to learn. Please come up with a better excuse.
While Escambia County Florida is closing Carver-Century; The Alabama [High] School for Math and Science is thriving. [http://www.asms.net/]
Why aren’t we building new schools like the Alabama School for Math and Science ANYWHERE in Escambia County Florida? [instead of baseball parks]
Ok Mr. Molino,
What is your guess? And how many students has the Escambia School District lost in the last 5, 10, 15, 20 years???? and why do you suppose they left???
. . . and the last name is Moran . . . BTW, that is my real name, not a psudo or nom-de-plume . . .
Mr. Jack Moron wrote:
” The Magnet Schools in Pensacola aggressively recruited the “A” students from Carver Century, thereby lowering the average student grade AND the number of attending students. Better students leave, below average students remain, making the school look bad. So why did the “good” students leave? Ask the parents of students who were “recruited” by the district and others to move their kids to Magnet Schools in the South-end of the county.”
WRONG. If you look at the districts information, ONE eighth grade Carver distruct student attends the BrownBarge Magnet School. ONE fifth grade kid goes to Cook Elementary. That equals TWO students.
Your statement is NOT TRUE, and is supported by the facts.
Magnet Schools are a wonderful concept – except when the entire school district has a drastically declining student population; when that happens, magnet schools that are designed to attract the best and brightest have to “recruit” their students too. Escambia County has lost literally THOUSANDS of students over the past several years.
That is what happened to Carver Century School. The Magnet Schools in Pensacola aggressively recruited the “A” students from Carver Century, thereby lowering the average student grade AND the number of attending students. Better students leave, below average students remain, making the school look bad. So why did the “good” students leave? Ask the parents of students who were “recruited” by the district and others to move their kids to Magnet Schools in the South-end of the county.
Thus the problem at Carver Century is not bad parents, or bad teachers, or bad students, but poor school district administration and competitive recruiting practices by other schools. Why not make Carver Century a Magnet School with its own Magnet Programs that will also attract the brightest and best from the region? Was that tried? Nope. I guess not.
And who is responsible for playing the cruel joke on the parents, teachers, and students with the “B” grade? Or was it a joke?
What in the heck is going on here?
Pardon me, but I think some folks are missing the point. Portable buildings is not the point. Given a good teacher and a willing student and one could learn under a tree. One major point is we the taxpayers are either being LIED to Now…or was LIED to when it was announced that Carver-Century came up to a “B” on the FCAT score. What is going on? What is this kind of deception doing to the children? Is anyone thinking about what is best for them. The children and faculty where praised for their success and now look at what the new Superintendent is doing to them all. Someone needs to get honest.
Come on “Escambia County Teacher”
Not even you could believe that! Portables (sheds) can’t be the answer! not when other students are attending great school sites all over this county! What child would rather attend school were they will be placed outside in a portable, or be placed in a nice site like Molino Park?
Let’s stop defending and state the bare FACTS!
But I do agree closing or better yet “Consolidating ” the up-dated School sites will afford Students a better learning “Environment” …would one agree?
Number (2) why do the District Officials continue to up-grade sites Knowing yes “knowing” they will be closing? shift the funds to the sites that will continue to serve the Students and Staff, there isn’t enough room to cover all of the different sites up-dated then shut down! but just look around the School system you can see them..what a waste of money! but when it’s not your money (Taxes) “who cares” !
Mr. Thomas said that he was a transparent leader, and he has proven that to the citizens once again, and that he is! Even if students are taught in a portable at a higher preforming school, they are given a better oppurtunity to meet state standards. As another person stated, “children are resilent”. Quality teachers can make almost any atmosphere a positive and exciting learning enviroment! The children, their learning and well being are the most important interest’s of our great Superintendent.
The quality of the faculty at CC K-8 is unsurpassed. What has happened during the past four years has been a mass exodus of students to EW, Bratt, and Byrneville because of AYP and various personal parental choices. When you remove students from a small school your test results are impacted greatly as students who score well on testing leave. If you review the school student numbers that were posted by Mr. Thomas one can see a dramatic drop in enrollment during the past four years. Mr. Thomas and others concluded, depending on one’s point of view, that this shows a lack of local community support. If almost half of the local students attend elsewhere what else can one conclude? The school was not closed for its low grades, but for low enrollment. Unfortunately many schools in the district may be forced to close during the coming years as the state dramatically cuts funding to all districts. Schools are in the teaching business, not the community-building business. Mr. Thomas and the district are not the evil ogres closing the Century school. The local residents caused this over a long period of years. If Byneville Charter ends up with the campus, then what? So sad. The blame game continues.
I do agree with the Thomas Supporter (Concerned Citizen) to a point…All Schools should provide Great Teachers in all Environments, “IF’ they are not provided the same education, replace the problem! Placing students in portable’s isn’t the answer, but that will be the “ONLY” resolve in this case! “WHO” will Benefit from the 3 million worth of Improvements to that School? surely will not be the students, maybe another Church? the one next door really made out in their $1 Dollar a year agreement with District Officials. All who were involved in that deal should resign! HUGE abuse of power! this problem is no different then what W.D. did, School District funding should only be use to educate Students, not support outside Organizations in anyway what so ever!
Just stick the students in a Portable, they will be fine… no problem….
Sad, very sad………………………………………..
Concerned Citizen, I agree with you 100%.
These facts are very important for us to see. The school officials must have known about these figures but failed to make mention of this.
I feel that the best decision has been made for the children. How can you justify continuing to send children to an F school when they have been given the opportunity to change.
The school has know about the threat of closure for years…yet still no substantial changes in test scores.
What a difference is made when all of the facts come to light. Yes, it will be a difficult time when the change occurs. But children are resilient, and they are going to be attending superior schools. I applaud our new Superintendent for making this hard decision, and for keeping the interests of all of our county’s children at the forefront!