TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Two major education measures have been merged by the House into a single bill and is now with the Senate.

The combined bill would make standards for reading, math and other public school subjects tougher, more detailed and more relevant at every grade level. In addition, it would delay the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, now given in February and March, by a month. It would also attempt to ban many activities that contribute to so-called "FCAT frenzy" - activities such as rallies and practice tests - during school hours.

The House added all those provisions to a Senate-passed bill that would allow the FCAT to account for only half of grades given to high schools.

The remaining half of the grade would be decided by graduation rates and participation in advanced courses. Elementary and middle school grades will continue to be based entirely on FCAT scores.


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)