Welcome to FCAT Night! 3rd Grade Presentation

Contents: What is the FCAT 2.0? FCAT 2.0 vs. SAT Who takes the FCAT 2.0? Testing conditions Dates for testing & expected results What do the FCATs look like? Your role as a parent Do’s & Don’ts Tips Reminders

What is the F.C.A.T. 2.0? Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test 2.0 an updated version in place since Part of the No Child Left Behind Act designed to mandate accountability for schools. Schools have been taking the FCAT since 1998.

FCAT 2.0 vs. SAT FACT 2.0 is timed!!!!! 3rd grade: testing in Reading and Math In 3rd grade, MUST show mastery of the Reading skills determined by the state of Florida in order to move onto 4th grade.

Who takes the F.C.A.T. 2.0 ? All 3-10 grade students who attend a school which is eligible for Federal Funds from the No Child Left Behind Act. All students in grades 3-10 take the same test on the same days, under strict conditions, as described by the State of Florida.

Testing conditions: Under Florida guidelines, students are not permitted to have any electronic devices, toys, or any distracting items in the room during testing. No adult is permitted to read, remind, or help any student with any questions on the test. The test is timed (students are given a 10 minute warning before the end of the test.)

When is the FCAT 2.0 for the school year? Weeks of: April & 22-26, 2013 For 3rd grade: Day 1 - April 15th - Reading [ 70 minutes ] Day 2 - April 16th - Reading [ 70 minutes ] Day 3 - April 17th - Math [ 70 minutes ] Day 4 - April 18th - Math [ 70 minutes ] These two weeks also include make-up sessions for students who missed the testing due to absence.

What does the Reading FCAT 2.0 look like? All multiple choice questions, no written (extended) responses. Includes reading passages, each with an average of 500 words per passage (this is split between the two reading test days). Passages can be either fiction or nonfiction. Of the 4 multiple choice answers, two will be very close to being the correct answer; it is the student’s job to find the correct one. (Let’s look at your sample.)

What does the Math FCAT 2.0 look like? All multiple choice questions. All word problems: Space for students to work problems. 9 x 8 = ________ Joe has baseball cards he wants to give to his nine friends. He will give each friend 8 cards. How many cards will he give out?

When are the results expected? In previous years the test was given in March and the results were available in May. This year, since the test is in April, we are expecting the results to be available in June. Results are available to parents online when released by the state. Results will also be mailed to parents with report cards.

As a parent, what is my role? Be sure that your child completes all of his/her nightly homework assignments. You set the tone, if your child realizes you are serious about their success, he/she will follow your lead.

Do’s & Don’ts DO eat a good breakfast. DON’T eat more than you are used to. DO prepare the evening before what you need to bring (jacket, glasses, etc..). DON’T wait until the morning to find you glasses or jacket. DO get a good night’s rest. DON’T stay up late because there is no homework.

In addition to the tips in this presentation, please remember to not stress over the test. Remind your child you have confidence in him/her and that they have your support.

Tips 1 - Please eat a good (LOW SUGAR) breakfast, but not more than the usual amount of food to avoid stomach aches. 2 - Please be on time. Students who are tardy will have to wait in the office during testing and complete a make-up test, causing unnecessary stress. 3 - If your child wears glasses, please be sure he/she has them with them (might be a good idea to pack them in the backpack the night before). These tend to be easily forgotten in a nervous rush and we want the students feel prepared. 4 - Students will be sitting for quite some time and the classroom can get cold, especially on Mondays, so a jacket is a good idea.

Reminders 1 - Bathroom use during testing is for emergencies only. Time spent in the bathroom is less time they have to finish the test. 2 - Students are not permitted to have electronic devices, this includes watches with alarms (G-shocks) and cell phones. These items should be placed in the child's backpack (in the off/vibrate mode) in the morning. 3 - Please pack a snack for your child to have after testing is complete. 4 - No volunteers are allowed in the building during testing hours.

Answers to “Are You Smarter than a 3 rd grader?” Reading: Math: 1. B 1. A 2. A 2. D 3. B 3. C 4. D 4. C