Statement By:
EDUCATION COMMISSIONER JOHN L. WINN
Regarding Availability of End-of-Course Exams for STAR Implementation
“The Department of Education continues to act as a partner to school
districts by working closely with district staff as they develop
individualized plans to implement STAR (Special Teachers Are Rewarded).
Many districts have expressed concern over developing assessments that
would gauge the performance of teachers of non-FCAT subjects.
End-of-course exams are regarded as an effective assessment tool; however,
few districts have indicated that they currently have their own
end-of-course exams.
In an effort to have as many outstanding Florida teachers as possible
benefit from STAR, Department staff has been working to identify
end-of-course tests that would be available for all districts to use as
pre-and post tests should they wish to incorporate this method of
measurement.
Today, I am pleased to announce that the Department will be establishing a
repository, or ‘clearinghouse,’ of end-of-course exams, which will be made
available at no charge to all interested public school districts. Use of
these exams is optional, and at the discretion of each school district.
Both the Hillsborough County Public School district and the Florida Virtual
School have expressed a willingness to share with other school districts
their existing end-of-course exams. We welcome the addition of any other
well-developed district end-of-course exams that will further expand the
clearinghouse and increase its value to districts across the state. The
Department of Education has entered into discussions with Hillsborough
County Public Schools about serving as the manager of the clearinghouse,
but they would partner with all districts wishing to participate. By early
2007, we anticipate we will have a finalized agreement and a clearinghouse
in place.
I am encouraged with the progress districts have made on this process.
Florida will be in an excellent position to recruit and retain highly
effective teachers for our students. I will be meeting with school board
members and superintendents this week to discuss STAR and other ways the
state can partner with school districts to work on common challenges in
education.”
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In support of the end-of-course exam clearinghouse
“Through the leadership and cooperative spirit of Commissioner Winn,
Superintendent MaryEllen Elia, and Julie Young of the Florida Virtual
School, school districts across Florida will have access to end of course
tests needed to implement STAR. Not only will this agreement save countless
hours of work and dollars but, more importantly, it will well serve
outstanding teachers in Florida's public schools,” said Florida Association
of District School Superintendents Chief Executive Officer Bill Montford.
“I’m proud that Hillsborough County is taking a lead role in this new
partnership with the Florida Department of Education. The prospect of
using meaningful assessments to help boost teacher pay is a laudable goal,
and the state clearinghouse for end-of-course exams will help us achieve
that goal. Educators and students across the state will benefit for years
to come,” said Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent MaryEllen
Elia.
“At the Florida Virtual School, we believe it takes the combined effort of
students, parents, schools, districts and community members to provide an
effective learning environment for all students. We exist to serve the
students of the state of Florida and are pleased to extend that commitment
by contributing to the Department of Education’s clearinghouse of
end-of-course exams. Through this developing collaboration, local school
districts can tap into existing resources and further reward their most
outstanding teachers,” said Florida Virtual School President & CEO Julie E.
Young.
