Latest news with #M-DCPS
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
Miami-Dade schools score an ‘A' rating, and that's no accident. Here's how
In a time when public education across the nation is under intense scrutiny, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has once again demonstrated what is possible through vision, resilience and community commitment. The third-largest school district in the United States, with over 335,000 students, has once again earned its status as an 'A'-rated district for the sixth consecutive year — an achievement that speaks volumes about the determination of our educators, students, parents and families. The continuous support of the Miami-Dade School Board has been instrumental in guiding and uplifting the district. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment and hard work of our entire educational community — from our superintendent of schools, Jose L. Dotres, to our passionate teachers and dedicated administrators, and including our district and regional staff. It also honors the collective efforts of our entire workforce, the steadfast support of our parents and the strong partnerships we share with the broader community, including local and state leaders. This united commitment to excellence has made our continued success possible. This 'A' rating is not merely a letter on paper. It is the result of strategic planning, innovative thinking and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It represents more than test scores. It reflects growth, improvement and a determined effort to close achievement gaps. It shows a community that refuses to let circumstance define its future. It is a testament to teachers who go above and beyond, to students who overcome challenges inside and outside the classroom and to administrators who maintain high standards despite growing demands. M-DCPS serves a richly diverse student population, including a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, English language learners and students with special and unique abilities. That we continue to lead among the nation's largest districts should be a point of local pride and a national case study. From expanding school choice and dual enrollment programs to implementing mental health initiatives and career readiness pathways, to reaching one of the highest graduation rates in our history, the district remains laser-focused on student outcomes that truly matter. This outstanding achievement belongs to our students. It is a reflection of their dedication, enthusiasm to learn and limitless potential. Our students are the heartbeat of tomorrow's progress. With the knowledge, skills and values they develop today, they are prepared to lead with integrity, innovation and empathy. Whether in science, education, public service, business or the arts, they will rise to meet the challenges of their time — driving change, fostering unity and serving our nation with purpose and pride. As we celebrate this milestone, we must also ask: What's next? Continued investment in teacher recruitment and development, digital access and a future-focused curriculum must remain our priorities. The 'A' rating is not the destination. It's a mile marker on the journey toward greater educational excellence and innovation. This is a commitment to unite for the benefit of every student — because when we work as a team, we turn dreams into reality. Teamwork makes the dream work. M-DCPS has once again proven that urban public education can not only survive — it can thrive. Now let's make sure this success lifts all boats — for every student, in every classroom, and across every ZIP code. Mari Tere Rojas is the chair of the Miami-Dade County Public School Board.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Miami-Dade, Broward districts earn ‘A' grades again — but what do the scores really mean?
This week, Florida's education leaders celebrated what looks like major gains. School districts across the state saw improvements in student test results and school grades. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday that 71 percent of Florida schools received A or B grades, up from 64 percent last year. Statewide more students hit proficiency benchmarks in English and math under the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking test, or FAST, than last year. Miami-Dade and Broward County were once again rated 'A' districts. Miami-Dade received an A rating for the 6th year in a row, with 99% of M-DCPS schools receiving School Grades of A, B, or C in 2025, and no schools receiving an F. Broward also received an A rating, for the second consecutive year. No schools in Broward received a D or F rating. School grades are calculated using a rubric that measures English, Math, Science, Social Studies as well as graduation rates and 'acceleration success,' which measures how middle and high school students do on an end of course exam or industry certification. The academic portion of the schools' grades are calculated using results from the FAST test. Florida adopted FAST in 2023 to replace the Florida Standards Assessments. Unlike the once-a-year FSA, FAST is a progress monitoring system with three checkpoints throughout the year. The final round, called PM3, is the score used in state accountability grades and public reporting. This year's results show gains across the board. The percentage of students in Florida scoring a Level 3 or above in math increased in nearly every grade. Miami-Dade and Broward followed the trend, with both districts showing higher percentages of students scoring at or above grade level compared to the state average. At the press conference, DeSantis celebrated the results and the state's new testing system, standing at a podium with a sign that read 'FLORIDA: THE EDUCATION STATE.' The governor said that Florida had an issue with too much emphasis on a single end-of-year test, and so the state moved to progress monitoring testing to alleviate that. State tests need more time, expert says The year over year gains are impressive, but experts point out that since FAST is still a new exam, it lacks the kind of longitudinal data needed to evaluate academic trends over time. 'There's not a lot you can comfortably say between this year and last year; you have to compare over the long haul,' said Bruce Baker, a professor at the University of Miami who is recognized as the nation's leading scholar on school finance. Education experts also caution that improvements in scores early in a new test's life cycle may reflect an increase in test familiarity rather than genuine gains in student learning. Baker said this year's improvements in Miami-Dade and Broward — and across Florida — were in line with data that shows that students generally do well in the first few years of a new test. 'We expect score improvements in the first few years simply as a function of increased familiarity with the tests,' he said. Jose Dotres, superintendent of schools in Miami-Dade, praised the results. 'We are immensely proud of their consistent performance and growth across all subjects,' said Dotres in a statement. Baker emphasized that FAST scores can be useful for comparing districts within Florida, but are also graded on an arbitrary curve. In Florida, a test development company creates a 'line in the sand' that is used to evaluate the number of students who score about that threshold, Baker said. 'It all depends on where you set the bar,' he said. And states have a stake in making it seem as though students are performing better each year. School grades are also based on a set of measurements which researchers such as Baker say often rely on arbitrary cutoffs and oversimplified metrics that potentially distort school performance. For an elementary school to score an A in Florida, it only needs 62% of points on a scale of 100. Middle and high schools with 64% or higher get an A. Experts say the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP — often called the 'Nation's Report Card' — remains the most reliable way to track educational progress over time. Unlike state tests, NAEP uses a sampling procedure that offers consistent measurement across states and years. The test is run by a congressionally-approved board of experts, the National Assessment Governing Board, a nonpartisan group that produces what experts agree are the most accurate state and national level results. And when you look at NAEP scores — particularly in 8th-grade math — the trends are troubling. Florida's scores have declined since the early 2010s and now fall below the national average. The latest data available for NAEP scores is for 2024, but the trendline is clear. Morgan Polikoff, a professor at the University of Southern California and an expert in curriculum and testing policy, said part of the disconnect between state tests and national tests like NAEP can come from different content emphases and the fact that teachers often tailor instruction specifically to the state test. But the national NAEP test may be at risk, as federal budget cuts to the U.S. Department of Education threaten the scope and frequency of future assessments.
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
A parent's guide to Miami neighborhoods with A-plus schools
In Miami, great schools often signal more than just academic quality — they can reflect strong community ties, safe neighborhoods and enriching extracurricular opportunities. If you're moving with kids, zoning for top-rated public schools can be a smart way to narrow your home search. From nationally recognized elementary schools to award-winning magnet programs, these Miami neighborhoods stand out for education. School Districts in Miami Florida school districts are divided by county. All residents of the Miami metro area are zoned in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. As the third-largest school district in the country, M-DCPS serves over 330,000 students every year. Overall, the Florida Department of Education gave M-DCPS a grade of 'A' for the last three years. Because M-DCPS is such a large district, its schools are divided into three regions: North, Central and South. Each region has its own superintendent and geographical area to support. Families moving to the Miami area should consider which of these regions best meets their needs for housing, community and schools. When you're looking for homes for sale in Miami, use the M-DCPS school locator tool to see which neighborhood schools you're assigned. School Choice, Charters, and Magnet Schools Miami-Dade County Public Schools offer families a variety of educational options beyond their assigned neighborhood schools. Through its school choice program, students can apply to attend schools with specialized academic programs across the district. While all students are zoned for a neighborhood school, many of these schools include unique enrichment opportunities, such as language immersion, STEM tracks or arts integration. M-DCPS also operates a number of magnet and charter schools that serve students countywide. Charter schools and magnet schools provide more specialized programs to students, drawing from the entire area (rather than just the neighborhood). Magnet schools are public schools with specialized themes or curricula, such as performing arts, international studies, or technology. Admission is often competitive and based on an application schools are independently run public schools that may center around alternative teaching models or focus areas. These schools are tuition-free and open to all students, but admission may be limited based on capacity. Parents can find information about the school choice program from the M-DCPS website. North Region The North Region covers the neighborhoods of North Miami, Miami Lakes, parts of Hialeah, and Miami Beach. With great options for schools at every level, these three stand out for consistent 'A' rankings and a plethora of activities. North Beach Elementary School North Beach Elementary is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP) school, which encourages students to become globally minded, inquiry-driven learners from a young age. The school's vision is to 'educate the whole child' and foster 'responsible citizens of the world.' Alongside consistently high academic scores, the school also received the 2025 Upstander School designation, highlighting its anti-bullying and empowering atmosphere. Hialeah Gardens Middle School As a non-magnet school, Hialeah Gardens Middle still offers an impressive array of activities and clubs for its students, from Agriscience to Law Academy. The school's vision includes fostering 'a learning environment where diversity is valued.' Barbara Goleman Senior High School Awarded the Top School of Excellence for 2025 from the American Magnet Schools Association, this magnet school for academically gifted students is a standout. Students focus on STEM fields, including Cybersecurity and Digital Marketing. The school also supports more than 50 sports and clubs. Central Region Miami's Central Region covers neighborhoods near downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, Miami Springs, West Miami, Doral, Sweetwater, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. These schools highlight Miami's strength in delivering high-quality education to a diverse student population. Coconut Grove Elementary School With both French and Spanish programs offered as part of the regular curriculum, Coconut Grove Elementary promotes academic success alongside good character. The school has received multiple 'School of Excellence' honors and holds a long-standing reputation as the first public school in Miami-Dade County. Coral Gables Preparatory Academy This K-8 school is committed to a safe learning environment where every student can succeed. The National PTA School of Excellence designation highlights the high level of community involvement. South Region – Top Miami Schools The South Region of M-DCPS includes consistently top-performing schools. In rankings of the best school district zones in Miami, the neighborhoods of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay are almost always included. While some schools in southern Miami-Dade near Homestead may have lower scores, families looking for the strongest academic zones should focus on the Pinecrest area. Pinecrest Elementary School Pinecrest Elementary receives stellar ratings across the board. From test scores to parent involvement, this K-5 school has earned an 'A' grade school for 26 consecutive years. Its list of accolades extends beyond academics. It is designated as both a 'kindness school' and a green school, highlighting that the community at Pinecrest Elementary is fully committed to excellence. Palmetto Middle School This school uses the Cambridge Academy model, which integrates traditional academics with project-based learning and inquiry. Palmetto Middle supports students' social and emotional development alongside academic success. Miami Palmetto Senior High School This top-ranking magnet school offers high school students a range of college and career tracks, including technical education and visual or performing arts, while also developing strong foundational skills. The school's goal to help students 'achieve the extraordinary' is clear through energetic community participation and consistently high academic scores. Choosing the best school for your children is a major decision, but fortunately, Miami has plenty that make the grade year after year.
