Budget cuts affect FCAT retakes

It has been years, but I can still remember hearing my mother’s voice in the back of my head.

She reminded me of how important it was to finish my homework and get “my lessons” completed.

As young adolescents, many of us are taught to do our best the first time around, so that we won’t have to do it again.

Even then, if we slack off, we usually know that we have the option of getting it right the next time.

Although the same concept still remains, the rules of the game have changed.

According to www.tdo.com, Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith sent a memorandum Tuesday to all school districts explaining the need for the change along with the other changes that are in store for Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

High School students will no longer have the opportunity to retake the FCAT, due to the education system facing budget reductions; the state is eliminating summer retakes.

Kids in grades 4 and 8 will continue to be scored by one reader for the writing essays, while tenth grade students will continue to be scored by two readers for their essays.

Although these changes may have been made to benefit the students, it could also discourage and motivate some.

Everyone understands the significance of budget cuts.  

Yet, why cut education tactics?  

The children are our future.  So if it means continuing summer sessions to help prepare them to lead our nation, then why cut the program?

Letitia Skippings for the Editorial Board.