FCAT Parent Night Mater Academy Charter School Third Grade

What is the FCAT? The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a test given to all Florida students as part of Florida’s overall plan to increase student achievement, by implementing higher standards for public school students.

Why do students take the FCAT? It is given to measure students’ achievement on the New Generation Sunshine State Standards and to monitor the student’s ability to think critically and apply these skills.

Who takes the FCAT? All public school students in Grades 3 through 11 are required to take the FCAT. All public school students in Grades 3 through 11 are required to take the FCAT. 3 rd graders will take the Reading and Math portions of the test. 3 rd graders will take the Reading and Math portions of the test.

When do students take the FCAT? Test Dates: n FCAT Reading and Math Test FCAT Reading: April 14-15, 2014 FCAT Reading: April 14-15, 2014 FCAT Math: April 21-22, 2014 FCAT Math: April 21-22, 2014

How are we helping your child? n FCAT tutoring programs (Writing, Reading, and Math) n In class interventions (small group Instruction) n Pull-out programs (SuccessMaker) n Technology programs (Reading Plus, Achieve 3000, FCAT Explorer)

FCAT READING

What areas of reading are measured on the FCAT Reading? Vocabulary Words & Phrases in Context meaning of words in context word analysis Main Idea, Inference Plot & Purpose main idea supporting details chronological order author’s purpose in a simple text plot development & conflict resolution Comparisons & Cause/Effect use of comparison & contrast cause and effect relationship similarities & differences among characters, settings & events Reference & Research organization & interpretation of information

What areas of reading are measured on the FCAT Reading? Descriptive and Figurative Language meaning of words/phrases in context Mood/ Tone of passage Message Text Features and Text Structure Reading timelines, maps, captions, illustrations Organization of information Interpretation of information

The Secret Song The Secret Song Who saw the petals drop from the rose? I, said the spider, But nobody knows. Who saw the sunset flash on a bird? I, said the fish, But nobody heard. Who saw the fog come over the sea? I, said the sea pigeon, Only me. Who saw the first green light of the sun? I, said the night owl, The only one. Who saw the moss creep over the stone? I, said the gray fox, All alone.

Lets try to answer these FCAT questions. How are all the animals ALIKE? a. T hey all were alone outside. b. T hey all were with other animals. c. T hey all saw the dawn of a new day. d. T hey all saw what drifted over the water. Read the line from the poem. Who saw the moss creep over the stone? What does the word creep mean? a. t o grow slowly b. t o drop quickly c. t o flash quickly d. t o march slowly

Two more questions… Why did the author write the poem? a. t o share what it is like to be alone b. t o explain how the seasons change c. t o convince reader to go outdoors d. t o share special moments in nature What would be another good title for this poem? a. “ Who Saw the Rose?” b. “ Only the Animals Know” c. “ The Green Light of Day” d. “ Mist Coming Over the Ocean”

Reading Example 1

Reading Example Answer

FCAT MATH

What is on the FCAT Math test? The FCAT math test consists of multiple choice questions solving problems in the areas of number sense, measurement, geometry, algebra, and data analysis.

Math Example 1 Math Example 1

Math Example 2

Math Example 2 Answer

Item Types, Length, and Duration n Grades 3-5 –50-55 Questions –Multiple Choice –NO Short Response or Long Response –140 Minutes for Reading (two 70 minute sessions) –70 Minutes for Math

What is considered the passing score for the Grade 3 FCAT? Students in grade 3 must score a level 2 or higher on the FCAT Reading subtest in order to be promoted. There are also alternative assessments and good cause exemptions that apply to grade 3 students.

Tips to Help Your Child become successful on the FCAT! Read with your child EVERY night, at least min. Read with your child EVERY night, at least min. Ask your child questions about what he or she is reading, using the FCAT task cards available in both English/ Spanish and for both Reading and Math. Ask your child questions about what he or she is reading, using the FCAT task cards available in both English/ Spanish and for both Reading and Math. Check your child’s reading and math homework and SHOW them their mistakes. Check your child’s reading and math homework and SHOW them their mistakes. Review the TIMES TABLES and DIVISION TABLES daily. You can practice in the car, at breakfast, at the store. Review the TIMES TABLES and DIVISION TABLES daily. You can practice in the car, at breakfast, at the store. Make sure you read and discuss your child’s WRITING with them. Make sure you read and discuss your child’s WRITING with them. Point out the positive things about their writing. Point out the positive things about their writing. Let your child practice at home on all educational programs the school offers. Let your child practice at home on all educational programs the school offers.

Additional Recommendations n n Studies show that students who complete the following number of sessions using instructional technology are more likely to pass the FCAT: – –Reading Plus: 40 Sessions / Reach grade level passages. – –Success Maker: 40 Sessions (Reading and Math) – –Achieve 3000: 24 Sessions

Class Website materelementary.com/cgonzalez materelementary.com/cgonzalez On our website you can find this powerpoint, material that is assigned weekly, and classroom news. On our website you can find this powerpoint, material that is assigned weekly, and classroom news.

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