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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. English Language Arts (ELA)

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

9. Reading Text Length & Type
Grade
Number of Words
Number of Questions 3
56-60 4 5
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.

10. 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.

11. Mathematics

12. 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.

13. 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%

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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!)

18. 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.

19. Science – 5th Grade Only

20. 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

21. 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.

22. 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%

23. 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

25. Context Dependent Question Sets

26. 5th Level Science Low

27. 5th Level Low Answer
C. Gravity

28. 5th Level Science Moderate

29. 5th Level Science Moderate Answer
A. Ice Block

30. 5th Level Science High

31. 5th Level High Science
D. The force of gravity is greater than the force of friction on all the blocks