1. FCAT: What Every Parent/Guardian Should Know
4/1/2017
Florida Statewide Assessment System FCAT/FCAT 2.0: Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test EOC: End-of-Course Assessment
What Every Family Should Know
Nancy E. Brito, Instructional Specialist, Department of Assessment,

2. A parent is a child’s first teacher, and the home is a child’s first classroom.

3. Did you know that what you do or don’t do, say or don’t say, to your children, has an IMPACT on their academic achievement?

4. What is the purpose of this presentation?
To provide families
with information on the
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
(FCAT/FCAT 2.0)
&
the End-of-Course Assessment (EOC)
ensuring that
No Family Is Left Behind

5. What is the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT/FCAT 2.0)?
The FCAT/FCAT 2.0 is a test given to Florida students to measure what they know and are able to accomplish in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Science.

6. What is the Algebra 1 End-of-Course assessment (EOC)?
The Algebra 1 EOC is a test given to Florida students to measure what they know and are able to accomplish in Algebra.

7. What do the FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC measure?
The FCAT measures how well students are meeting the
Sunshine State Standards in Writing and Science
The FCAT 2.0 & Algebra 1 EOC measure how well students are meeting the
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards in Reading, Mathematics and Algebra 1.

8. FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC Details
Scores relate to student performance on content in the Sunshine State Standard (SSS) and the Next generation Sunshine State Standard (NGSSS) benchmarks
Measures achievement in
Reading: Grades 3-10
Mathematics: Grades 3-8
Algebra 1: Multiple Grades
Writing: Grades 4, 8, & 10
Science: Grades 5, 8, & 11
Question types: multiple-choice, gridded response, fill-in response, essay

9. FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC Details
FCAT 2.0 Reading measures vocabulary & literacy skills.
FACT 2.0 Mathematics measures a wide range of skills and problem solving methods.
Algebra 1 EOC measures concepts and principles and algebraic thinking
FCAT Writing measures knowledge of four writing elements: focus, organization, support, and conventions.
FCAT Science measures science concepts and scientific thinking.

10. Who takes the FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC?

11. Who takes the Algebra 1 EOC?
Students in grades 5 -12
Spring 2011
Students completing Algebra 1, Algebra 1B or an equivalent course
First time 9th graders who previously completed Algebra 1 or an equivalent course

12. What is the duration of the FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC in minutes?
School
Type
Grade
Reading
Mathematics
Science
Writing EL 3
140 4 45 5
110 MS 6 7 8 HS 9 - 10
160 11
130
Retake
Untimed
Algebra EOC
5-12

13. How many questions are on the FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC?
School Type
Grade
Reading
Mathematics
Science
Writing EL 3
50-55
45-50 4
1 prompt 5
55-60 MS 6 7 8 HS 9 10 11
Retake
Algebra
EOC
5-12

14. What types of questions are in the FCAT/FCAT 2.0/Algebra 1 EOC?
Multiple Choice (Reading, Mathematics, Algebra 1, & Science)
Gridded Response (Mathematics & Science)
Fill-In Response (Algebra 1)
Essay Question (Writing)

15. What types of questions are in the FCAT/FCAT 2.0?
Multiple Choice - Students choose one of four possible choices
Reading, Mathematics, Science
Grades
1 point each
Sample Reading Multiple Choice Question

16. What types of questions are in the FCAT/FCAT 2.0?
Gridded Response – Gridded-response questions require students to solve problems and "bubble," or mark, their numerical answers on an answer grid.
Mathematics (grades 4, 5, 8, 10)
Science (grades 8, 11)
1 point each
Sample Mathematics Gridded Response

17. What types of questions are in the Algebra 1?
Multiple Choice - Students choose one of four possible choices
1 point each
Sample Algebra Multiple-Choice Question

18. What types of questions are in the Algebra 1?
Fill-in Response – Fill-in response questions require students to solve problems and respond in the seven column fill-in response grid with their numerical answers
Algebra 1
1 point each
Sample Algebra Fill-In Response

19. What types of questions are in the FCAT?
Essay Question - requires students to write a response to an assigned topic (prompt)
Writing
Grades 4, 8, 10
6 points maximum
Grade 4 students respond to a prompt that asks them to either explain (expository writing) or tell a story (narrative writing).
Grade 8 and 10 students respond to a prompt that asks them to either explain (expository writing) or persuade (persuasive writing).
Sample Narrative Writing Prompt

20. How many questions, by type, are on the FCAT?
Elementary
Grade
Reading
Mathematics
Science
Writing 3
55 MC
45-50 MC 4 MC
10-15 GR
1 prompt 5
50-55 MC
35-40 MC
60-65 MC
Algebra
EOC
MC: 35-40
FR: 25-30

21. How many questions, by type, are on the FCAT?
Middle School
Grade
Reading
Mathematics
Science
Writing 6
50-55 MC
35-40 MC
10-15 GR 7 8
45-50 MC
30-40 MC
20-25 GR
53-61 MC
4-7 GR
1 prompt
Algebra
EOC
MC: 35-40
FR: 25-30

22. How many questions, by type, are on the FCAT?
High School
Grade
Reading
Mathematics
Science
Writing 9
50-55 MC
30-35 MC
15-20 GR 10
45-50 MC
5-7 SR & ER
1 prompt 11
53-61 MC
4-7 GR
Retake
50-60 MC
25-35 MC
25-30 GR
Algebra
EOC
MC: 35-40
FR: 25-30

23. What are the cognitive complexity levels?
FCAT questions have three levels of cognitive complexity:
Low - requires to solve a one step problem, recall, recognition, basic facts
Moderate -requires more than simple recall,
or to apply skills and concepts that are covered in low complexity.
High - require analysis and synthesis of information, heavy demand on student thinking, abstract thinking and reasoning

24. Example of Cognitive Complexity in FCAT Reading
Maria’s dog Spot almost knocked her down as she entered the door. Maria quickly noticed that all bowls were empty and she had forgotten to leave food out. Spot could hardly wait for Maria to fill the bowls as he hurriedly ate his food. Later, Maria returned to the kitchen, she could not help but notice the smile on Spot’s face as he slept.

25. Example of Cognitive Complexity in FCAT Reading
Low - What was the name of Maria’s dog?
(Read the Lines)
Moderate - What was Spot’s problem? (Read Between the Lines)
High - Why was Spot MOST LIKELY smiling in his sleep?
(Read Beyond the Lines)

26. What are the FCAT/FCAT 2.0 achievement levels?
Describe the success a student has achieved on the Florida NGSSS Reading and Mathematics, and the SSS Science portion of the test
Range from 1 to 5 with Level 1 the lowest and Level 5 the highest
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

27. How do levels describe student achievement?
Level 5 This student has success with the most challenging grade-level content of the Sunshine State Standards.
Level 4 This student has success with the challenging grade-level content of the Sunshine State Standards.
Level 3 This student has partial success with the challenging grade-level content of the Sunshine State Standards, but performance is inconsistent.
Level 2 This student has limited success with the challenging grade-level content of the Sunshine State Standards.
Level 1 This student has little success with the challenging grade-level content of the Sunshine State Standards.

28. What are Developmental Scale Scores?
Developmental Scale Scores (DSS)
Range from
Are used to determine a student’s annual progress from grade to grade
Are used in Reading and Mathematics

29. FCAT Achievement Levels and Developmental Scores
FCAT: What Every Parent/Guardian Should Know
FCAT Achievement Levels and Developmental Scores
4/1/2017
Grade
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Reading
Grade
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Mathematics
These charts contain the Reading and Mathematics Developmental Scale Scores or DSS. Every student should be familiar with these charts. They should know that Level 3 is considered the FCAT proficiency level. Therefore, the goal should be to score Level 3 or above. The chart shows the developmental score ranges for each grade by level of proficiency. The numerical score describes student achievement of the SSS benchmarks in Reading and Mathematics. It is based on grade level expectation. It determines student progress from grade to grade.
Development Scale Scores range from 86 to 3008.
Nancy E. Brito, Instructional Specialist, Department of Assessment,

30. What are Scale Scores? Scale Scores Range from 100 - 500
Are used to determine a student’s FCAT Science result

31. What are Scale Scores? Science Grade Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 45
100 – 272
273 – 322
323 – 376
377 – 416 8
100 – 269
270 – 324
325 – 286
387 – 431
432 – 500 11
100 – 278
279 – 323
324 – 379
380 – 424

32. What are Rubric Scores? Rubric Scores Range from unscorable to 6
Used to determine a student’s FCAT Writing prompt result
Unscorable 1 2 3 4 5 6

33. FCAT: What Every Parent/Guardian Should Know
4/1/2017
What are Writing Rubric Scores?
Points
Description 6
The writing is focused on the topic, has a logical organizational pattern (including a beginning, middle, conclusion, and transitional devices), and has ample development of the supporting ideas. 5
The writing is focused on the topic with adequate development of the supporting ideas. 4
The writing is generally focused on the topic and demonstrates a sense of completeness or wholeness. 3
The writing is generally focused on the topic, but may lack a sense of completeness or wholeness. 2
The writing may be slightly related to the topic. 1
The writing may only minimally address the topic.
unscorable
The response is illegible.
Unscorable. The paper is unscorable because
• the response is not related to what the prompt requested the student to do,
• the response is simply a rewording of the prompt,
• the response is a copy of a published work,
• the student refused to write,
• the response is written in a foreign language,
• the response is illegible,
• the response is incomprehensible (words are arranged in such a way that no meaning is conveyed),
• the response contains an insufficient amount of writing to determine if the student was attempting to address the prompt, or
• the writing folder is blank.
Nancy E. Brito, Instructional Specialist, Department of Assessment,

34. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Tests reflect the overall achievement of your child. The more often the child is in a learning situation, the more likely he/she will do well on tests.
Make sure your child attends school regularly.

35. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
A child who is afraid of failing is more likely to make mistakes.
Encourage your child. Praise him/her for the things done well throughout the year.

36. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind.
See that your child has a balanced diet.

37. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Homework supports classroom instruction and can help your child increase his/her comprehension of the classroom work.
See that your child completes homework assignments.

38. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Parents and teachers should work together to benefit the child.
Meet with you child’s teacher(s) as often as possible to discuss your child’s progress.

39. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
School is not the only place where learning takes place. You can help your child improve his/her understanding of school work.
Ask your child’s teacher(s) to suggest activities for you to do at home with your child.

40. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Students need a time and a place to focus on their homework.
Provide a scheduled time and a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home.

41. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Children who are tired are less likely to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of classwork and tests.
Make sure your child is well rested on school days.

42. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Too much emphasis on test scores can be upsetting to children.
Try not to be overly anxious about test scores.

43. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
It is your right to know which tests your child will take and for what purpose.
Ask your child’s principal and/or counselor to provide you with a schedule of testing for the year and explain the use of the tests.

44. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Students need time to prepare for the day’s lessons.
Make sure your child arrives to school on time.

45. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Students should wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the weather.
See that your child is dressed comfortably.

46. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Test performance also depends on listening to directions and being able to read the test.
If your child wears a hearing aid or glasses, be sure he/she remembers to use them during all testing sessions.

47. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Your child may be entitled to
receive extra time to complete the test;
assistance with translation;
be tested in a separate room;
visual magnification; or
other accommodations.
Make sure your child receives appropriate test-taking accommodations.

48. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! It is the body’s fuel that gets you going in the morning. Kids who eat breakfast do better in school, are more likely to participate in physical activities, and tend to eat healthier overall.
Make sure that your child is well rested and has a healthy breakfast on the day of the test.

49. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Worrying about tests may make a student forget their chores and arguments may result.
Make sure that your child is not burdened with too many demands during testing time.

50. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Test performance depends on thinking clearly and focusing on the task at hand.
Make sure that you don’t create additional school and non-school related pressures.  Students need to focus their energies on doing well on the test.

51. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Preparation and organization help to have a smooth day.
Make sure that the morning of the test is not rushed.  Help your child to organize everything he/she needs the night before the test, get up with plenty of time to have a good breakfast, and get to school on time.

52. FCAT: What Every Parent/Guardian Should Know
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
4/1/2017
Emotions are significantly related to student motivation and academic achievement.
Make testing days happy days free of negative emotions.
Nancy E. Brito, Instructional Specialist, Department of Assessment,

53. How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Testing is part of our educational system. Talking about the test with your child can relieve stress about test taking.
Keep a positive attitude about tests.

54. Where can families find information about FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC?
(click here)

55. Where can families find information about FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC?
Preparing for Assessments
SAL-P: The Next Generation
AYP
School Grade
Alternative School Improvement Rating

56. Palm Beach County Learning Tools

57. Together we can help our students succeed!

58. Student achievement!
The ultimate goal!

59. Need Assistance? Contact…
What's New in Assessment and Accountability
Need Assistance? Contact…
Nancy E. Brito
(561) , PX47521
Dept. of Assessment, Division of Performance Accountability, , PX48850