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FCAT Awareness Parent MeetingFebruary 28, 2012

Hosted by the 3rd grade team

3rd grade students will take the FCAT 2.0 READING & MATH.Both tests will be scored on a level 1 (lowest) to a level 5 (highest).

2012 Passing Score Requirements for FCAT 2.0The Levels range from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Students in grade 3 must achieve a Level 2 or higher in Reading, or show good cause, to be eligible for promotion.

FCAT Dates to Remember:Monday, April 16th Reading Session 1Tuesday, April 17th Reading Session 2Wednesday, April 18th Math Session 1Thursday, April 19th Math Session 2 Friday, April 20th - Makeups

Each Session lasts 70 minutes

* April 26 NRT Reading /Math

FCAT is just weeks awaywhat can I do to help my child prepare?Have your child get onto FCAT Explorer as much as you canTalk to your child about what they are doing in school and follow through at homeHave your child read every night Expose your child to a variety of textsBe sure that they are well rested and their routine is the same as usual

Fldoe.orgThe Florida department of education website has released FCAT tests for you to print out. Get your child familiar with the format of the test.Build reading endurance by implementing reading routines at home.Take advantage of fcatexplorer.com!

Sample Test MaterialsYou can visit http://fcat.fldoe.org/fcatsmpl.asp for sample FCAT test materials.View the Test Item Specifications to identify the content and format of the information tested.

Helpful HintsMake sure your child is well rested on school days. Children who are tired are less likely to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of class work and tests.

Important Reminders for ParentsHave you child to school by 8:00 amSchedule all appointments after noon.Have your child dress comfortably and bring a jacket/sweatshirt

Test Taking TipsRemind students to read all directions carefully.Titles of stories and captions are very important- no skipping!Help your child understand that testing is part of the instructional process, and is something not to fear!

Encourage and Stay Positive!Try not to be overly anxious about test scores. Too much emphasis on test scores can be upsetting to children.Give your child encouragement. Praise him/her for the things done well throughout the year. A child who is afraid of failing is more likely to make a mistake.

FCAT Reading Content

FCAT 2.0Mathematics

FCAT 2.0 Mathematics Reporting Categories

Question EverythingFCAT asks two types of questions: Low and High Order Thinking (HOT) Questions. HOT Questions are asked more often!

Low Order Questions typically are factual in nature or right there in the text.For example: What was the boys favorite food?

Question EverythingHOT Questions require thinking and reasoning beyond what is stated in the text, where students compare, infer and evaluate their reading.Question stems: Why do you think?What if?How would ___ differ from ___...?Predict