When students take the FCAT this month, the goal is to determine how much they’ve learned this year. But often the real predictor of students’ success occurs when the teacher first walks into the classroom.

National studies show high staff turnover — often filling schools with inexperienced teachers — can impact a school’s overall performance and can impair students’ learning. Researchers say across the country Title I schools, which get federal money because of a high number of low-income students, often have difficulty attracting highly qualified teachers.

This, they say, results in struggling students not getting the help they need and low grades for the schools. In Florida, the state grades schools based on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores each year, which can translate into more money for the schools.
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FORT PIERCE — Faced with unprecedented cuts to public schools, St. Lucie County teachers, school board members and community leaders are gathering Saturday to pressure legislators to “put kids first and cut education last.”

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend a rally and march at the school board offices on Okeechobee Road. They plan to gather at 9:30 a.m. and march at 10.

With state budget cuts, St. Lucie County schools lost about $23 million for the 2008-09 school year and are estimated to lose another $30 million in the 2009-10 school year, said Superintendent Michael Lannon.

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