(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.) - Florida high schools are finally getting their grades.
State education officials say they'll release the 2011 grades on Wednesday.
That's nearly a month later than in 2010 and six months after elementary and middle school grades were announced.
High school grades take longer because they aren't based any more solely on results from the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT.
Last year additional factors were included for the first time.
They include graduation rates and participation in advanced classes.
High school grades increased sharply under the new system in 2010.
Out of 470 schools graded, 30 percent received an A and 41 percent received a B.
This year, schools that get an A or improve by a letter grade will receive cash awards of $70 per student.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
