Florida’s Student Progress Shows Significant Gains in Academic Performance
In a notable development for the Florida education system, student performance has shown a marked improvement over the past three years, according to the latest results from the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) progress monitoring assessments. Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted these achievements, underscoring the success of the state’s pioneering educational approach.
“Florida insists that education be factual, student-focused, and parent empowered,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida has led the nation in instituting progress monitoring assessments that allow for teachers and parents to provide real-time interventions that support the long-term success of their students, and our approach has paid off.”
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. expressed pride in the hard work of both students and teachers, affirming the positive impact of the statewide progress monitoring system. Incoming Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas echoed this sentiment, stating, “Florida is a national leader in education because we are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Progress monitoring assessments are a prime example of how Florida has changed education for the better, and the scores are proof of our successful approach.”
Significant Improvements in Student Performance
Over the past academic year, Florida’s schools have seen remarkable improvements. In English Language Arts (ELA) for Grades 3-10, student performance increased by 21 percentage points from the start to the end of the year, with 57% achieving grade-level scores by year-end. Similarly, Grades 3-8 Mathematics scores climbed by 44 percentage points, with 59% of students reaching grade-level proficiency.
Year-On-Year Academic Growth
- Grades 3-10 ELA saw a 4 percentage point increase from 2024, with 57% scoring at or above grade level in 2025.
- Mathematics assessments for 2025 showed 58% of students meeting grade-level expectations, marking a 3 percentage point rise from the previous year.
End-of-Course and Science Assessments
- Algebra 1 students showed a 4 percentage point improvement, with 57% scoring at or above grade level.
- In Geometry, 54% of students achieved grade-level scores, a 2 percentage point increase over the previous year.
- 5th Grade Science saw 55% of students at or above grade level, up by 2 percentage points from 2024.
- 8th Grade Science, including Biology 1 EOC, reported a 4 percentage point rise to 53% scoring at grade level.
- Biology 1 results indicated a 4 percentage point increase, with 70% achieving grade-level proficiency.
- Civics and U.S. History both recorded 70% of students scoring at or above grade level, each with a 3 percentage point improvement.
Success Among Diverse Student Groups
- Students with disabilities improved by 4 percentage points in Grades 3-10 ELA compared to 2024.
- Economically disadvantaged students increased by 3 percentage points in ELA performance.
- African American students achieved a 5 percentage point gain in Grades 3-10 ELA.
- Hispanic students saw a 4 percentage point increase in Mathematics scores.
- In U.S. History, economically disadvantaged students improved by 4 percentage points.
For more information about the 2024-25 assessments, available here.
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