Roll Call: School Grades Out Today; FCAT Changes; Florida Has Two Top Schools For Transfers

The state Department of Education plans to release school grades today, in Wednesday’s education headlines.

School grades expected today – School grades are expected to drop after state education officials raised standards on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. The Naples Daily News

Top Florida education official: FCAT changes needed – Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson said he understands the changes have been difficult, but Florida needed to update the FCAT. “We haven’t changed the FCAT in 10 years,” Gerard Robinson told an audience at City Hall. “We know it’s been difficult for you, your teachers, the superintendent and the [school] board, but we’re trying to prepare your students for the next 10 years.” The Florida Times-Union

Educators Respond to Scott’s ‘Too-Many Tests’ – A Polk County teachers urges parents to contact Gov. Rick Scott: “Teachers and students know how bad it is,” Thomas Lentz said. “For some reason, that message hasn’t gotten to politicians and they think we’re (teachers) whining too much. We need the parents and community engaged. If they are engaged, then the governor and politicians will have to listen.”" The Lakeland Ledger

10 Colleges With the Most Transfer Students – Two Florida universities are among the top 10 in the country for enrolling transfer students. U.S.News & World Report

School Board asks voters to approve half-penny sales tax – The Brevard County school board is asking voters to approve a half percentage point sales tax increase to raise $32 million. Florida Today