fcat explorer. science station: elementary science from the florida department of education program...
TRANSCRIPT
FCAT Explorer
FCAT Explorer
Science Station: Elementary Science
From the Florida Department of Education
www.fcatexplorer.com
Program Overview
FCAT Explorer
FCAT-like practice on all FCAT-tested strands and benchmarks
Reinforces important science concepts
Available at no cost to all Florida public schools
Accessible from any computer connected to the Internet
Interactive practice program
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
Fidelity with the Official FCAT
Strict adherence to the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and DOE’s Test Item and Performance Task Specifications
Rigorous item development process
Items drafted by science teachers and professional item writers
Items reviewed by instructional designers, testing specialists, and professional editors
SR item in Strand G: Life and Environment
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
Input from Exemplary Education Professionals
Highly-qualified classroom teachers
Recommended for expertise in subject area and grade level
National Board Certified
Members of the National Science Teachers Association and recipients of Presidential Teaching Awards
Masters Degrees
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
FCAT-like Practice
FCAT-like practice on all tested strands and benchmarks
Multiple Choice Item
200 FCAT-like practice items
170 Multiple Choice (MC)
23 Context Dependent (CD)
7 Short Response (SR)
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
FCAT-like Practice
Same style, format, scope and cognitive level as FCAT 2.0
Reviewed by teachers for interest and difficulty
Number of items per benchmark based on teacher recommendation
Difficulty of benchmark
Difficulty for struggling students
Extended Response Item
Science Station: 5th Grade Benchmarks
FCAT Explorer
Instructional Support
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
1ST ATTEMPT
CORRECT
Learning Guidance
Congratulations!
Correct Answer Explanation (CAE)
Confirms the elements that make an answer correct
Reinforces effective skill application
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
1ST ATTEMPT INCORRECT
Learning Guidance
Includes hints to clarify the question without giving away the answer
Immediate second chance to apply the skill correctly
Click on Glossary Terms for definitions of more difficult science concepts.
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
2nd ATTEMPT
For CORRECT answer, CAE confirms and reinforces accurate skill application
For INCORRECT answer, the CAE:
Learning Guidance
Identifies correct answer
Explains why the answer the student chose was incorrect
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
Practice Items
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
FCAT-like Practice Items
Same formatting details as on the FCAT 2.0
Same notation conventions as on the FCAT 2.0
MULTIPLE CHOICE (MC)
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT-like Practice Items
CONTEXT DEPENDENT MULTIPLE CHOICE (CD)
Students read a short passage
Answer three multiple choice items based on passage content
Students can review passage at any time
FCAT Explorer
Students are presented with two sample student responses and are asked to select the high scoring answer
Reinforces writing skills by comparing two sample answers.
SHORT-RESPONSE (SR)
FCAT-like Practice Items
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
Special Features
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer Science Station: Elementary Science
Linked (blue) words in first incorrect response
Click speaker icon to hear word pronounced
Definition
Spanish and Haitian Creole translations
GLOSSARY
Special Learning Features
FCAT Explorer
READ/INQIRE/EXPLAIN (RIE) ICON
Available on Short Response items
Students click on the RIE icon to view rubric
Rubric helps students to identify elements included in high scoring answers
Science Station: Elementary Science
Special Learning Features
FCAT Explorer
Special Learning Features
Links directly to items answered incorrectly
Helps students focus on skill improvement
Displays corresponding benchmark
CHALLENGE LIST
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer Science Station: Elementary Science
Animated Vocabulary Games
Special Learning Features
Play one of four vocabulary games upon completing a group of benchmarks
Includes repetition of question for incorrect responses
FCAT Explorer
Educators’ Tools
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
Educators’ Tools
Classroom Teacher’s Desk
District Administrator’s Desk
School Administrator’s Desk
Curriculum resourcesTable of Strands and
Benchmarks
Item Review
Letter to Parents
Information management tools
Sign-in names and passwords
Progress Reports
Messages to students
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
Check progress on individuals or classes
View science data by Benchmark or Strand
Compare percentage correct before and after instructional support
Student Performance ReportsAT THE CLASSROOM TEACHER’S DESK
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
The Parent & Family Guide
Accessible from the home page without a password
Available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole
Helps parents, guardians, and mentors understand the New Generation Sunshine State Standards and FCAT 2.0
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
Linked from the home page
Download this PowerPoint presentation
Download the School Administrator’s Desk Manual
Download the Teacher’s Desk Manual
Program-specific presentations
Download other presentations
Visit the Educator Resources Page
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
Toll-Free Help Desk
Accessible from the home page without a password
1-888-750-FCAT
1-888-750-3228
Weekdays
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
To get sign-in names and passwords
School Principals:
Contact your District
Office and speak to the
FCAT Explorer District
Administrator
Teachers:
Contact your FCAT
Explorer School
Administrator
FCAT Explorer Home Page (www.fcatexplorer.com)
Science Station: Elementary Science
FCAT Explorer
Log on to FCAT Explorer!
www.fcatexplorer.com
Science Station: Elementary Science