According to results released by the Florida Department of Education today, Lee County public high schools showed significant improvements in the State Accountability and Grading System. Ninety-three percent of high schools earned an “A” or “B” grade as compared to the statewide average of 71 percent.

Nine high schools improved at least one or more letter grades; Cape Coral High School and Island Coast High School improved two letter grades; Dunbar High School improved from a “D” to an “A.”

In Lehigh Acres, East Lee County High School went from a D last year to a C this year. Gateway Charter High School got a B last year and maintained it this year. Lehigh Acres Sr. High School got a C last year and received a B this year and Riverdale High School went from a C to a B.

“Our Board, District staff, principals, teachers, students and parents need to be congratulated for their hard work to improve student learning,” said Dr. Larry Tihen, interim superintendent of schools. “We are very proud of the dedication to students and their school communities.”

High School grading components were changed this past year to include points for participation and performance in advanced courses, points for graduation rates of both regular and at-risk student populations and performance on college readiness examinations (SAT, ACT, and CPT).

“The high schools have worked hard to increase the opportunities for all high school students to take advanced courses such as the International Baccalaureate courses, the Cambridge International courses, Advanced Placement courses, Dual Enrollment courses, and Career/Technical courses that lead to Industry Certifications,” said Dr. Constance Jones, chief academic officer. “That, coupled with their increases in SAT scores and graduation rates, has made a tremendous difference in student achievement and school grades.”

It is important to note that the high school grading system has two specific rules regarding the performance of the lowest 25 percent in reading and the at-risk graduation rates. If either percent falls below the required level, then a high school cannot earn an “A” even though they have earned enough total points (1050 points were required in the 2009-2010 school year). Thirteen of the 15 high schools earned enough total points to receive an “A” grade.

“We will continue to work on every aspect of the high school grading components,” Jones said. “Our schools have a clear understanding of the areas they need to improve as well as the areas in which they have done really well. We couldn’t be more proud of all that they have accomplished.”

Here are the highlights from all school grades in 2009/10:

* 76 schools (86 percent) graded earned an “A” or “B;”

* 13 schools increased one grade level;

* No schools earned an “F” grade five consecutive years on the Internet and visit (www.leeschools.net) the link is on the main page under the News & Events section.