|
FAQs
What is the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)?
The FCAT is a test given
to Florida students to measure what they know and are able to
accomplish in reading, writing, mathematics, and science. The test is
part of Florida’s plan to improve student achievement. It measures
challenging content standards, called the
Sunshine State
Standards.
What are the Sunshine State Standards?
The
Sunshine State
Standards are broad statements that describe what a child
should know and be able to do at every grade level. These standards
cover seven content areas: social studies, science, language arts,
health/physical education, the arts, foreign language, and
mathematics. The standards are divided into smaller units called
“benchmarks,” which outline the specific content, knowledge, and
skills that students are expected to learn in school. Each student’s
performance on FCAT Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Science tests
indicates his or her progress in reaching these benchmarks.
Development of the
Sunshine State Standards began in 1993, and the standards were
adopted by the State Board of Education in May 1996. The
Sunshine State
Standards contain more challenging material than previous
state standards, which focused on minimum competencies.
Who takes the FCAT?
All public school students in Grades 3 through 11 are required to take
the FCAT. The tests are given only in public schools, though private
school students who receive opportunity scholarships must also take
the FCAT. Home education students are tested only if their parents or
guardians select the FCAT as an evaluation option.
Why do students take the FCAT?
To meet the complex challenges of today's workplace, students must be
skilled in mathematics and science, be able to read and understand
difficult texts, and be able to write well. FCAT test questions are
designed to measure the reading, writing, mathematics, and science
skills that students should acquire. The test helps teachers,
principals, and superintendents determine the level of success
students have with the
Sunshine State Standards.
When is the FCAT given?
The FCAT is given to students each year in February (Writing) and in
March (Reading, Mathematics, and Science).
Why is the FCAT in the news?
Each public school receives an annual grade based on the
performance of its students on the FCAT. In addition, Florida requires
that school districts consider FCAT results when making decisions
about students’ remediation or retention needs. The use of FCAT scores
for school and student accountability as required by the Bush/Brogan
A+ Plan for Education has been widely publicized.
Source:
Florida Department
of Education (FLDOE)
|
