Florida school criticized for singling out Black students in assembly over low test scores

On August 23, 2023

At Bunnell Elementary in Flagler County, controversy is brewing over a meeting that saw Black fourth and fifth-grade students singled out to discuss methods to improve low standardized test scores. The decision to select students for this meeting was based purely on race, sparking outrage among parents and raising concerns about the implications for the involved children.

The meeting showcased a PowerPoint presentation titled “AA Presentation,” highlighting the underperformance of Black students on standardized assessments for the last three years. The presentation indicated that only 32% of Black students had scored at Level 3 or above, while the goal was set at 41%. As a remedy, the school proposed that each student should “commit to earning at least a Level 3 or higher on all standardized assessments; concentrate on passing all curriculum-based assessments with at least a 75% or higher,” as part of their roadmap to success.

One of the most controversial parts of the meeting was the introduction of the F.A.S.T. Challenge. This initiative encouraged students to compete against each other for better scores, with the winner being awarded a meal from McDonald’s. While competition can sometimes foster growth, parents expressed concerns about potential bullying arising from such a competitive environment. Danielle Brown, a concerned parent of a fourth-grader at Bunnell Elementary, shared her fears, stating, “I just feel like you are kind of setting her up to be in a situation to become a victim of bullying.”

Nichole Consolazio, another parent, voiced her distress over the selection criteria, which was based entirely on appearance. “This was solely based off of color,” Consolazio remarked. Her son, primarily an A’s and B’s student, was among those selected. “They did not go based off a school record of [if the] child is Black or white or Hispanic, they went solely based off of the color of his skin,” she added.

Furthermore, the communication, or lack thereof, surrounding this meeting has exacerbated parents’ concerns. The school, known for its frequent updates to parents, did not send any communication about this meeting either before or after it took place. “They contact us at least three times a week,” said Danielle Brown. “This is the one time that they haven’t.”

Flagler Interim Superintendent LaShakia Moore addressed the situation, emphasizing that the intent was not malicious. “In speaking with Mrs. Evensen, it is clear there was no malice intended in planning this student outreach. However, sometimes, when you try to think ‘outside the box,’ you forget why the box is there,” Moore stated. She assured that moving forward, the district would prioritize parental involvement and transparency.

This piece was republished from the Miami Times Online.