Hillsborough FCAT Writing Scores Increase

The next Stephen King, J.K. Rowling or Louis L’Amour might be sitting at a desk in a Hillsborough County school.

At least that’s possible if this year’s FCAT writing scores are any indictor.

Hillsborough County’s fourth, eighth and 10^th-grade students posted gains on the writing portion of the test both in the average score and in the number of kids who managed to meet or exceed the required proficiency level, according to a media release from the district.

“In fact, when looking at the average score, Hillsborough’s fourth and eighth graders were first among Tampa Bay area school districts and the state’s largest school districts,” the district release said. “HCPS tenth graders led in the Tampa Bay area and were second among the state’s largest districts.”

The writing test has a score range of 1.0 to 6.0. To be proficient, a child needs to score at least a 3.5 or above.

Average scores for Hillsborough students were:

• Fourth grade – 3.6; the state average is 3.4
• Eighth grade – 3.6; the state average is 3.3
• Tenth grade – 3.6; the state average is 3.5

Want to find out more about how Hillsborough schools did? Visit the Florida Department of Education’s website.

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