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Low classroom test scores plagued Florida schools after changes to standardized testing over the last few years. New scores were released Friday, even though results have increased; there is still a long way to go.

School has been out for the summer, but students and administrators alike have been waiting for F-CAT and End of Course Scores. “We’d of liked to have scores earlier; the fact is they’re here,” said Florida School Board Association’s Dr. Wayne Blanton. “We’re very pleased with scores.”

Released Friday; FCAT scores were flat. End of course results increased. “It’s a mixed bag. I think we’re very pleased with what we saw and assessments we saw gains; end of course assessments,” said Florida Commissioner of Education, Dr. Tony Bennett. “On the other hand we saw some flat scores with FCAT.”

The new FCAT tests were created to focus more on the learning process. The old testing was more memorization. “Florida historically has been the nation’s leader on literacy. Florida’s been the nation’s leader on fundamentals of mathematics,” said Dr. Bennett.

Lawmakers passed and the Governor signed into law a bill insuring teachers would receive a pay raise. Educators say more money, better results. “I think the incentive of additional dollars for this year and next year will produce even better results,” said Dr. Blanton.

End-Of-Course scores increased from 58-percent to 64-percent for all grades.