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A report on the new Florida Standard Assessments exams found serious issue with the tests rollout, but as Matt Galka tells us, the test was still deemed valid, and Florida’s Education Commissioner faced state House members for the first time since the report was released.

What a difference a day makes. Less than 24 hours after being grilled by State Senators, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart received praise from the House Education Committee.

On Thursday, questions arose over a review of the state’s new Florida Standards Assessment tests and how independent it actually was. The Department of Education was given at least two drafts before the final review was released deeming the test valid.

“We had factual information that was important for Alpine to have. So the work was done with staff,” said Stewart.

House members didn’t bring it up. But they did ask about other concerns after the rocky rollout of the test. It was marred by errors and a cyber security breach.

“I know there is apprehension from all the teachers as to how this new test is going to impact their evaluations,” asked Rep. Janet Adkins (R-Fernandina Beach).

“I would point out that that’s the biggest misnomer is that if the sky falls and performance plummets, that teacher evaluations are going to plummet as a result,” replied Stewart.

Despite the criticisms, the House Education chair said she’s satisfied with the test and the review.

“Is every parent going to be happy? Possibly not. Am I satisfied is what the question was. Yes, I am. I believe they’ve worked very hard to make changes,” said Rep. Marlene O’Toole, the House Education Committee Chairwoman.

School grades are still scheduled to be released in December.  Stewart said it was too early to speculate about potential outcomes and drop-offs.