Orange County Virtual School Navigating the FSA Modified for OCVS by J. Besuden

Why do students take the FSA? Mandated by Florida State Statute FSA will provide parents, teachers, policy makers and the general public with information regarding how well students are learning the new Florida standards.

Who is tested on FSA? Third Grade= ELA and *Math Fourth Grade= *ELA, *Math, and Writing Component Fifth Grade= *ELA, *Math, and Writing Component Fifth Grade= Science FCAT 2.0 *Computer based testing

Arrival and Dismissal on test days If students leave campus before they complete a test session, they will not be allowed to finish taking the test when they return. Please arrive on time for check in. Many students will be testing, not just one grade level. It is very important to avoid making any appointments during school hours on FSA dates.

English Language Arts (ELA)

ELA - English Language Arts Reading 2 days of 80-minute sessions 56-60 items over the two sessions Grades 3: Paper-based Grade 4-5: Computer-based Students will read texts and answer questions using details and information from them. Multiple-choice Open-response (respond in writing) 5th grade only HOT-text (select words or phrases from the passage that supports an answer)

FSA ELA Reporting Categories Key Ideas and Details Craft and Structure Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Analysis Language and Editing Text Based Writing (4-5) Main Idea/ Details Word meaning Compare/contrast themes, settings Grammar Opinion Moral of the story Point of view How illustration connects to story Spelling Informational Inferences How events build through text Explain how author uses evidence Punctuation

FSA Reporting Categories for ELA Grades Key Ideas and Details Craft and Structure Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Language and Editing 3 15 – 25% 25 – 35% 20– 30% 4 20 – 30% 5

Reading Text Length & Type Grade Number of Words Number of Questions 3 100-700 56-60 4 100-900 5 200-1000 Literary passages provide entertainment or inspiration and include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Informational passages are subject-matter centered and the language may be used to solve problems, raise questions, provide information, or present new ideas. The context of these passages includes everyday life outside of the classroom.

Reading Percentage of Points by DOK Level Grade DOK Level 1 Complexity DOK Level 2 DOK Level 3 3-11 10-20% 60-80% Depths of Knowledge Levels Level 1 relies on the recall, observe, question, or represent basic facts. Requires only basic understanding of the text. (Solving a one step problem) Level 2 involves two steps: comprehension and subsequent processing of text. Requires explanation, description, or interpretation. (Solving a two step problem) Majority of FSA questions are at this level. Level 3 requires students to engage in more abstract reasoning, planning, analysis, synthesis, judgment, and creative thinking. Requires explanation, generalizations, or multiple connections. Must be able to support thinking.

Mathematics

Mathematics 2 days of 80-minute sessions 64 items over the two sessions Grades 3, 4, 5: Computer-based Response Items Multiple-choice Written response (explain the answer in writing) Gr. 3-5 Equation response (example: 2+2=4) Multiple-response questions Students select one or more correct answers for the same question.

FSA Mathematics Reporting Categories Grade Category Percentage 3 Operations, Algebraic Thinking, and Numbers in Base Ten 48% Numbers and Operations- Fractions 17% Measurement, Data, and Geometry 35% 4 Operations and Algebraic Thinking 21% Numbers and Operations in Base Ten Number and Operations-Fractions 25% 33% 5 Operations, Algebraic Thinking, Fractions 39% 28%

How has the content changed in math? Focus is on learning multiple strategies. There are part A and part B questions. Students will write to explain steps. The process is as important as the product. Reference sheet provided for the 4th & 5th grade.

How are we getting our Scholars ready? Rigorous, standards-based lessons and activities Computer exposure (I-Ready) and practice with online testing (See FSAssessments.org)to prepare students for success with this format and the electronic tools

How can you support successful students? Stay connected and communicate! Read extensively to build vocabulary, knowledge and fluency. Read longer texts for longer periods of time. Read texts that are linked to the curriculum. This will help build background knowledge and vocabulary.

Supporting Successful Children Make sure your child is on pace. The more effort your child puts into learning, the more likely he or she will perform well. Encourage your child, a positive outlook helps children do their best. (Stay Positive and Achieve!)

Supporting Successful Children Help your child not be too anxious by advising them to relax and do their best. Have students get a good nights sleep, eat a good breakfast and come to testing on time.

Science – 5th Grade Only

What is FCAT 2.0? Criterion-referenced test that measures student achievement of the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards It is the only test still based on the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards

Science FCAT 2.0 – 5th Grade only 2 days of 80-minute sessions Paper-based All questions multiple-choice Vocabulary knowledge is essential, questions are context-dependent Students must have a concrete understanding of the scientific method. Students must know how to read graphs, charts, data, and diagrams. Items may require student to analyze or interpret data in charts or graphs Student must apply knowledge of science concepts taught throughout K-5.

Earth and Space Science Science FCAT 2.0 Number of Multiple Choice Items 60-65 Time Two 80 minute sessions Nature of Science Earth and Space Science Physical Science Life Science 17% 29% 25%

What students need to know for success in Science Students need to know vocabulary and understand concepts, but that’s just the beginning. Test items are designed at three cognitive levels. Low: (10-20%) recall, single step problem solving Moderate: (60-80%) interpret, explain, predict, apply High: (10-20%) analyze, evaluate, generalize, conclude, complex problem solving All items could be context dependent

Context Dependent Question Sets

5th Level Science Low

5th Level Low Answer C. Gravity

5th Level Science Moderate

5th Level Science Moderate Answer A. Ice Block

5th Level Science High

5th Level High Science D. The force of gravity is greater than the force of friction on all the blocks