Rule 6A-1.09422, F.A.C.: Establishing the Geometry EOC
as a Comparative Score for the FSA Algebra 1 EOC Assessment
Rule Development Workshop Transcript
May 20, 2020

(Slide 1) Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to the Rule Development Workshop for Rule 6A-1.09422: Establishing the Geometry EOC as a Comparative Score for the FSA Algebra 1 EOC Assessment. I’m Vince Verges, and I am an Assistant Deputy Commissioner in the Division of Accountability, Research, and Measurement at FDOE. Our office oversees the state’s K-12 and Postsecondary assessments.

This webinar is being recorded and will be posted to our website, along with a transcript. If you have questions during this workshop, you may type your questions into the chat box, and I will answer the questions this afternoon that we can answer, and we will note any comments or questions that we cannot answer now. We’ll provide those answers at a later date.

(Slide 2) Before we address the changes being recommended, I’d like to provide you with some background information that provides important context for the proposed change.

As you likely remember, on March 17th, Governor DeSantis recommended the initial closure of Florida school campuses and declared that statewide assessments would be suspended for the rest of any spring 2020 assessment administrations.

Assessment requirements for any graduating senior were waived, and any non-seniors who are or were enrolled in grade 10 ELA or Algebra 1 courses that are subject to their respective statewide assessments had the requirement to take these tests waived. 

However, these non-senior students must still meet the assessment graduation requirement by passing the respective assessment during a future administration or by earning a concordant or comparative score as specified in the Rule that we are discussing today. 

(Slide 3) As an additional pathway to meet the Algebra 1 assessment graduation requirement, the Department also provided students enrolled in a course aligned with the Algebra 1 EOC assessment during the current school year the option of meeting the requirement by achieving a passing score on the Geometry EOC assessment, in addition to the other several pathways I’ll remind you of later in this presentation.

The proposed amendment to the Rule to be presented to the State Board in July 2020 would codify this additional pathway but would also extend this opportunity to all students who entered grade 9 in the 2011-2012 school year and beyond. This proposed change, if approved, would be retroactive for any student in one of those cohorts who has not yet met the Algebra 1 assessment graduation requirement but who has a passing Geometry EOC score on file.  

(Slide 4) As additional background, I’ll now discuss the statutory requirements that govern comparative scores, and I’ll also review the current Algebra 1 EOC comparative scores.

(Slide 5) Section 1003.4282 of the Florida Statutes addresses requirements for a standard high school diploma. In addition to the requirement for students to earn four credits in mathematics, and that the mathematics EOC assessment results must constitute 30 percent of the student’s final course grade, a student must also pass the Algebra 1 EOC, or earn a comparative score.

Section 1008.22 of the Florida Statutes requires, among many other things, that the Commissioner identify one or more comparative scores for the Algebra 1 EOC assessment.

This next part of this statute is important in understanding the scores we’ll review on the following slides. If the content or scoring procedures change for the EOC assessment, new comparative scores must be determined. If new comparative scores are not timely adopted, statute requires that the last-adopted comparative scores remain in effect until such time as new scores are adopted. This is most relevant to us now, as the mathematics assessments changed from being aligned to what is commonly called the Next-Generation Sunshine State Standards to the current Florida Standards in the spring of 2015. The current mathematics EOCs are aligned to the Florida Standards.

Lastly, of course, statute requires the State Board to adopt comparative scores in Rule, which brings us to this workshop today.

(Slide 7) Currently in the Rule we’re discussing, all of the comparative scores that can be used by specific cohorts are included in the table displayed on this slide. As you see, there are a number of pathways for students to satisfy their requirement, and PERT, just as a note here, which was first approved as a comparative score for the previous Algebra 1 EOC, is being sunsetted as part of prior State Board action. Students entering the 2020-2021 school year, this coming school year, as seniors will be the last cohort of students that can use PERT to satisfy this requirement. Again, that was just a note, note related to the Rule, but I wanted to call that out for you.

(Slide 9) On our final slide, we’ll discuss exactly what is being proposed with this change.

If adopted, this amendment will allow students who entered grade 9 in 2011-12 and beyond to meet their Algebra 1 assessment graduation requirement by receiving a passing score on the FSA Geometry EOC Assessment. 

The minimum passing score for the Geometry EOC is the lowest scale score in Level 3, which is 499 on the scale of 425 to 525. Any score of 499 or above would thus satisfy the requirement.

Students who are eligible for the Algebra 1 EOC or Geometry EOC alternate passing score may use the Geometry alternate passing score of 492. 

If this Rule is adopted, students and parents should contact their respective schools or districts if there are questions regarding which score would apply to which students. 

(Slide 10) Lastly, I will address a question that we have included on one of our COVID-19 Q & A updates document that we received many questions about. Legislation to eliminate the Geometry EOC was proposed during the most recent legislative session. That legislation did not pass, and we have no information on any future proposed legislation with respect to this topic. As with any proposed change to any State Board Rule, we are operating under the current statutory requirements, and making this change now will provide additional options for students once the Rule goes into effect, regardless of what may occur in future legislative sessions. 

Thank you, and now we can open our workshop and respond to any questions and take your comments.

We’ll wait and see if we have questions. Do we have a question? Okay.

Assisting me today is Catherine Altmaier, who, among many, many other roles in our office, is our Process/Contract Support Manager, and she is very helpful to us doing State Board Rule workshops such as this, and all the other things that go along with State Board Rules for assessments. So, Catherine, will you read our first question?

Questions and Answers (Responses edited for clarity)

(Question) Outside of this webinar, a student is in Geometry this year; does he need to take the Geometry EOC during one of the future EOC windows to get credit for the course?
(Answer) The assessments were waived for any student that was or is enrolled in the course this school year. 

Are there any other questions?

(Question) Would the PERT concordant score be extended?
(Answer) The PERT concordant score, as we mentioned, will sunset with rising 2020-2021 seniors, and this will be the last cohort to use PERT. This Rule does not contemplate extending PERT any further.

(Question) To clarify, students do not need to take Algebra and Geometry in subsequent years to meet the requirement?

(Answer) The comparative score Rule does not require students to sit for an EOC before using the comparative score. So, if the student was enrolled in Algebra 1 this school year and does not wish to take the Algebra 1 EOC in a future administration, which they may as soon as this summer’s administration, which begins on July 13, and is optional for districts, they may take that test. If they do not wish to take the Algebra 1 EOC in a future administration, and if they’re taking Geometry in the coming year, they may take the Geometry EOC and earn a passing score on the Geometry EOC. This would serve to satisfy not only the requirement that the student take the Geometry EOC due to being enrolled in the course, but would also satisfy the Algebra 1 assessment graduation requirement as a comparative score, as long as the student scored Level 3 or above.

(Question) I wasn't able to login on time and can I see that this is being recorded. How can I access this recording later?
(Answer) This will be posted on FDOE’s website here: Standard Setting.

(Question) If the Algebra 1 EOC scores are used for calculating school scores, what incentive would there be for students to do well on the Algebra EOC if Geometry is used in the future as a pathway to get the Algebra EOC requirement?
(Answer) Thank you for the question. The Algebra EOC still must count as 30% of the student’s grade, so that is one motivating factor. Also, although Algebra and Geometry EOCs are different subjects, they are both very rigorous high school mathematics assessments that also have very rigorous cut scores. For example, in 2019, the last school year that we have statewide assessment scores for, 57% of students taking the spring 2019 Geometry EOC scored a Level 3 or above, similar to the rigor of the Algebra 1 EOC. So, students would have a high motivation to do well on the Algebra 1 EOC because the Geometry EOC is also a rigorous assessment. When we had PERT for use as a comparative score for all cohorts, we didn’t see an impact on Algebra 1 EOC motivation. PERT, as we know, has little high school mathematics content. There is some content that actually dips into the elementary school. We didn’t see students not motivated to do well on the Algebra 1 test given that there was a “easier” assessment in PERT. So, we don’t feel like this will hinder students’ performance on the Algebra 1 EOC.

(Question) How would that compare to graduation requirements if a Geometry student doesn’t take the EOC this year but continues to be a requirement for graduation?
(Answer) I’m just re-reading the question for myself on the screen. This wouldn’t change the requirement for the comparative score. As with any time, there are times when students come in and for whatever reason have missed the assessment, they still have many other options to meet the graduation requirement, and it’s not just through the Geometry EOC. There’s still the ACT, the PSAT/NMSQT, the SAT Mathematics, and, again, for these rising seniors there’s still the PERT. So, this is just another option for students to meet the assessment graduation requirement.

(Question) To be clear, for students entering Algebra 1 starting 2020-2021 and beyond (for now) students can pass the Algebra 1 EOC or pass the Geometry EOC to count for the Algebra 1 EOC credit?
(Answer) It would not only include these students that are entering 2020-2021, it would also be for students who are currently enrolled. And if you recall from the Rule, this would actually go back to cohorts dating back to 2011-2012. So, not only moving forward but also, once approved and in effect, it will be retroactive to those earlier cohorts as well.

(Question) Will students who take the Algebra EOC for the first time next year, after being enrolled in the class this year, will they be included as first-time test-takers or retakers?
(Answer) I was lucky enough to sit in on the previous webinar on Accountability, and I heard my boss, Juan Copa, the Deputy Commissioner of Accountability, Research, and Measurement, say no, that students who take that – if it would be their first time taking that because they were enrolled in those courses in the current school year – they would not be counted as first-time test-takers. Thank you, Juan. I think you’re listening.

(Question) What is the comparative score if the student takes the PSAT or SAT?
(Answer) Those scores were on a previous slide; we can go back to those. Those were placed into Rule previously; you can see there on the table now. Catherine can see them better than I can. Can you read them?

Yes. For the PSAT/NMSQT Math, the student needs to achieve a 430. SAT Math, it’s a 420. ACT Math is a 16. For students who are eligible to use PERT, it’s a 97.

Okay. Thank you. Next question.

(Question) Are we going to receive a follow up to this webinar with covered information and discussion?
(Answer) This webinar is being recorded. We will make a transcript of the recording and my recorded answers will also be included on the transcript.

(Question) Can a student CAP both Algebra 1 and Geometry by passing the Geometry EOC?
(Answer) Because section 1003.4295, Florida Statutes, specifies that credit under CAP is limited to passage of a corresponding EOC, the statute anticipates that credit will be given upon passage of an EOC that to some degree covers the content of the course. Therefore, the fact that a passing score on the Geometry EOC assessment will be used to meet the Algebra 1 assessment graduation requirement does not mean that it is a corresponding EOC for CAP credit.

(Question) So if a student this year already passed Algebra 1 EOC previously, was in Geometry this year, they will not be required to sit for the Geometry EOC in the following years?
(Answer) That’s correct. If a student was in Geometry this year, that assessment requirement is waived. They do not have to go back and take the assessment unless they want to earn a Scholar Designation; then they still have to take that assessment and score a level 3 or higher to earn that designation. But it is not required otherwise. Or it can be used, of course, to meet a comparative score.

(Question) Isn't the Geometry EOC being faded out by the new BEST Florida Standards?
(Answer) That’s a good question. These current assessments will be in place through the spring 2023 school year, and at that time we’ll have new assessments aligned to the BEST standards, as the first year of implementation is currently scheduled for spring 2023. As I mentioned, if a comparative score is not adopted, the current comparative scores remain in place because we have to wait for enough time to pass to have students take the new assessments to determine the comparative scores. So, for the time being, even once the new BEST assessments are in place, the current comparative scores will still apply until we determine new comparative scores for the new tests.

(Question) We had more questions about where a copy of this PowerPoint and this recording will be posted.
(Answer) Again, that will be posted on the FDOE website along with a transcript of this recording. The page is the Standard Setting page under K-12 Student Assessments.

(Question) Just for clarification: If a student is currently enrolled in Algebra 1, they will be considered a retake student during the Algebra 1 EOC administration?
(Answer) Good question. There’s a separate coding for those students. They’re not necessarily considered retakers because they’re not retaking the assessments, but they are also not going to be considered first-time assessment students for accountability purposes.

(Question) As this goes back to the 2011-12 cohort, will it only apply to the FSA Geometry EOC or will it also apply to the NGSSS Geometry EOC?
(Answer) Good question. I mentioned the alternate passing score, and that alternate passing score on the current FSA Geometry EOC passing score matches back to the corresponding NGSSS Geometry EOC passing score. You can contact your schools and districts for more information on who’s eligible for which score.

(Question) What is the benefit of the Scholar Designation on diplomas?
(Answer) It is a recognition for students once they graduate that they have achieved high levels of performance on the specified assessments, which does not by the way include Algebra 1; that’s a question we get frequently. It is just an acknowledgement of their success on the EOCs that are designated for the Scholar Diploma.

(Question) When the new concordant scores were developed a few years ago as PERT was being transitioned out, my understanding was that data was analyzed comparing students' Algebra 1 EOC scores and the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and ACT to determine what comparative scores would best suffice to meet/match that requirement. Have similar analyses been done for the Algebra 1 EOC compared to the Geometry EOC that merits this being used as a comparative? Or is it because they have to earn a level 3 or higher that we are saying they are equivalent despite the difference in content assessed?
(Answer) There’s been no analysis. This is simply what was carried over from standard setting when educators sat down to talk about what was passing and what was satisfactory for both the Geometry and the Algebra 1 EOCs. It was determined that the lowest scale score in Level 3 was the minimum to achieve for both those assessments. That, coupled with the Commissioner’s authority to determine one or more comparative scores – and as I mentioned previously, the fact that they’re both rigorous high school mathematics assessments with rigorous cuts – the Commissioner used that authority to make that determination that this could be used as a comparative score. And again, as I mentioned, the significant amount of algebra and algebraic thinking that’s inherent in the Geometry standards, that further links these two assessments together. And I’m speaking as a past high school mathematics teacher; I just thought I would mention that.

That was our last question for the moment. I wanted to mention that I included a link in the chat box to the site where the recording, transcript, and presentation will be posted for those of you who asked.

Thank you everyone. We’ll get these posted, and there’s one question that we’ll need to answer, too; we’ll add that. And we’ll have these available as soon as possible, and we’ll communicate with districts when it is available.

(Question) One final question just to ask for clarification about when will a decision be made about the Geometry EOC being used in the future as a concordant score to Algebra?
(Answer) I believe, I think I covered this on a previous slide, but that’s the July State Board meeting. The date for that July meeting has yet to be determined and then Rules go into effect within 30 days. But, again, even if the Rule is effective after that July date, it will be retroactive to prior EOC administrations for students in the named cohorts.

(Question) There’s a question about learning gains being calculated last year.
(Answer) Again, there was an entire great presentation that was prior to ours that will be posted to the website that will talk about some proposals to school grades in the coming year. And those are good questions. The PDF for that presentation is posted on the COVID-19 site and the recording of the webinar is available at https://www.gotostage.com/channel/d9d503843cc346b3b0ff8bb54ccc70da/recording/78183c025d3e4b998306a706ed6df2c2/watch?source=CHANNEL.

Somebody asked where will that previous meeting PowerPoint be posted, and I think they were probably typing as you were talking, but that will be posted to the COVID-19 response page on the FDOE website.

And if any questions come to mind after this, please feel free to contact our office at Assessment@fldoe.org, and we can get back to you with responses. Thank you for your time and participation. We look forward to seeing this Rule at the July State Board meeting, and we hope that this provides additional options for students that will help more than just currently- enrolled students in Algebra 1.

Thank you, and have a good day.