Florida Statewide Assessment System
FCAT/FCAT 2.0: Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
EOC: End-of-Course Assessment
Florida Statewide Assessment System
FCAT/FCAT 2.0: Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
EOC: End-of-Course Assessment
What Every Family Should KnowWhat Every Family Should Know
A parent is a child’s first teacher, and the home is a child’s first classroom.
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?
What is the purpose of this presentation?What is the purpose of this presentation?
To provide familieswith information on the
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test(FCAT/FCAT 2.0)
&the End-of-Course Assessment (EOC)
ensuring that
NO FAMILY IS LEFT BEHIND
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Who takes the FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC?
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
What is the duration of the FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC in minutes?
SchoolType
Grade Reading Mathematics Science Writing
EL
3 140 140
4 140 140 45
5 140 140 110
MS
6 140 140
7 140 140
8 140 140 110 45
HS
9 140 -
10 140 160 45
11 130
Retake Untimed Untimed
Algebra EOC 5-12 160
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 50-55 45-50 1 prompt
5 50-55 55-60 55-60
MS
6 50-55 50-55
7 50-55 50-55
8 50-55 55-60 55-60 1 prompt
HS
9 50-55 50-55
10 50-55 55-60 1 prompt
11 55-60
Retake 55-60 55-60
AlgebraEOC
5-12 55-60
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)
What types of questions are in the FCAT/FCAT 2.0?
Multiple Choice - Students choose one of four possible choices– Reading, Mathematics, Science– Grades 3 - 11– 1 point each
Sample Reading Multiple Choice Question
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
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
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
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
How many questions, by type, are on the FCAT?
ElementaryGrade Reading Mathematics Science Writing
3 55 MC 45-50 MC
4 55 MC35 -40 MC10-15 GR
1 prompt
5 50-55 MC35-40 MC10-15 GR
60-65 MC
AlgebraEOC
• MC: 35-40• FR: 25-30
How many questions, by type, are on the FCAT?
Middle SchoolGrade Reading Mathematics Science Writing
6 50-55 MC• 35-40 MC• 10-15 GR
7 50-55 MC• 35-40 MC• 10-15 GR
8 45-50 MC• 30-40 MC• 20-25 GR
53-61 MC4-7 GR
1 prompt
AlgebraEOC
• MC: 35-40• FR: 25-30
How many questions, by type, are on the FCAT?
High SchoolGrade Reading Mathematics Science Writing
9 50-55 MC30-35 MC15-20 GR
1045-50 MC
5-7 SR & ER30-35 MC15-20 GR
1 prompt
1153-61 MC
4-7 GR
Retake 50-60 MC25-35 MC25-30 GR
Algebra EOC
• MC: 35-40• FR: 25-30
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
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.
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)
Example of Cognitive Complexity in FCAT Reading
What are the FCAT/FCAT 2.0 achievement levels?
FCAT 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
• Level 1 This student has little success with the challenging grade-level content of the Sunshine State Standards.
• Level 2 This student has limited 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 4 This student has success with the challenging grade-level content of the Sunshine State Standards.
• Level 5 This student has success with the most challenging grade-level content of the Sunshine State Standards.
How do levels describe student achievement?
Developmental Scale Scores (DSS)
• Range from 86 - 3008
• Are used to determine a student’s annual progress from grade to grade
• Are used in Reading and Mathematics
What are Developmental Scale Scores?
Grade Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
3 86-1045 1046-1197
1198-1488
1489-1865
1866-2514
4 295-1314 1315-1455
1456-1689
1690-1964
1965-2638
5 474-1341 1342-1509
1510-1761
1762-2058
2059-2713
6 539-1449 1450-1621
1622-1859
1860-2125
2126-2758
7 671-1541 1542-1714
1715-1944
1945-2180
2181-2767
8 886-1695 1696-1881
1882-2072
2073-2281
2282-2790
9 772-1771 1772-1971
1972-2145
2146-2297
2298-2943
10 844-1851 1852-2067
2068-2218
2219-2310
2311-3008
Grade Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
3 375-1078 1079-1268
1269-1508
1509-1749
1750-2225
4 581-1276 1277-1443
1444-1657
1658-1862
1863-2330
5 569-1451 1452-1631
1632-1768
1769-1956
1957-2456
6 770-1553 1554-1691
1692-1859
1860-2018
2019-2492
7 958-1660 1661-1785
1786-1938
1939-2079
2080-2572
8 1025-1732
1733-1850
1851-1997
1998-2091
2092-2605
9 1238-1781
1782-1900
1901-2022
2023-2141
2142-2596
10 1068-1831
1832-1946
1947-2049
2050-2192
2193-2709
Reading
Mathematics
FCAT Achievement Levels and Developmental Scores
Scale Scores
• Range from 100 - 500
• Are used to determine a student’s FCAT Science result
What are Scale Scores?
What are Scale Scores?
Science Grade Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
5 100 – 272
273 – 322
323 – 376
377 – 416 417 - 500
8 100 – 269
270 – 324
325 – 286
387 – 431
432 – 500
11 100 – 278
279 – 323
324 – 379
380 – 424 425 - 500
Rubric Scores
• Range from unscorable to 6
• Used to determine a student’s FCAT Writing prompt result
What are Rubric Scores?
Unscorable 1 2 3 4 5 6
What are Writing Rubric Scores?
Points Description
6The 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.
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.
1.Make sure your child attends school regularly.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
A child who is afraid of failing is more likely to make mistakes.
2. Encourage your child. Praise him/her for the things done well throughout the year.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind.
3.See that your child has a balanced diet.
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.
4.See that your child completes homework assignments.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Parents and teachers should work together to benefit the child.
5.Meet with you child’s teacher(s) as often as possible to discuss your child’s progress.
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.
6.Ask your child’s teacher(s) to suggest activities for you to do at home with your child.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Students need a time and a place to focus on their homework.
7. Provide a scheduled time and a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home.
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.
8.Make sure your child is well rested on school days.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Too much emphasis on test scores can be upsetting to children.
9.Try not to be overly anxious about test scores.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
10. 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.
It is your right to know which tests your child will take and for what purpose.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
11. Make sure your child arrives to school on time.
Students need time to prepare for the day’s lessons.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Students should wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the weather.
12. See that your child is dressed comfortably.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Test performance also depends on listening to directions and being able to read the test.
13. If your child wears a hearing aid or glasses, be sure he/she remembers to use them during all testing sessions.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
14. Make sure your child receives appropriate test-taking accommodations.
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.
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.
15. Make sure that your child is well rested and has a healthy breakfast on the day of the test.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Worrying about tests may make a student forget their chores and arguments may result.
16. Make sure that your child is not burdened with too many demands during testing time.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Test performance depends on thinking clearly and focusing on the task at hand.
17. 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.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Preparation and organization help to have a smooth day.
18. 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.
How can families help students prepare for assessments?
Emotions are significantly related to student motivation and academic achievement.
19. Make testing days happy days free of negative emotions.
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.
20. Keep a positive attitude about tests.
Where can families find information about FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC?
http://fcat.fldoe.org/fcatpub3.asp (click here)
http://fcat.fldoe.org/fcatis01.asp
http://fcat.fldoe.org/fcat2/itemspecs.asp
http://fcat.fldoe.org/eoc/itemspecs.asp
Where can families find information about FCAT/FCAT 2.0/EOC?
http://www.palmbeachschools.org/assessment/index.asp
Preparing for AssessmentsSAL-P: The Next GenerationAYPSchool GradeAlternative School Improvement Rating
Palm Beach County Learning Tools
http://www.palmbeachschools.org/learning_tools/
Together we can help our students
succeed!
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT!
THE ULTIMATE GOAL!