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A Florida law that prevents 3rd grade students from advancing to 4th grade unless they achieve a minimum standardized-test score has been effective in improving student academic performance, a study concludes.
Conducted by the New York City-based Manhattan Institute, a think tank that researches economic and social issues, the study found that students retained under the Florida policy scored better in reading and mathematics than their low-performing counterparts who were promoted.
It compared 3rd grade students who were required to score at a certain level on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test during the 2002-03 year, the first class affected by the mandate, and the 3rd grade class in 2001-02, which was not subject to that requirement.
