Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test:

Also know as the FCAT, is a series of tests given during March to every public school student in Florida in grades 3
 through 11. During six days of testing, students actually take two different types of tests, each with a math and a
 reading section. There is also a science section for grades 5, 8, and 11 and a writing section for grades 4, 8, and 10
 on the FCAT.

Why students are tested and what do the results mean?
Throughout your child’s school years, they will take dozens of standardized tests, including the Florida
 Comprehensive Assessment Test (grades 3-11).
Standardized tests show how your child is doing compared to other students and tracks his progress over time. Your
 child’s teacher has all the testing records and uses them to see if there is a problem that requires additional help or a
 different way of teaching. Tests also help teachers identify students’ strengths in order to provide more challenging
 academic opportunities. Schools use testing results to develop school wide plans for improving academic
 performance.
Norm- referenced tests compare your child to others across the nation. Results are commonly reported as a
percentile. If a student scores at the 75^th percentile on a norm-referenced test, it means that he did better than 75% of
 the students in the same grade level taking the same test. It does not mean that he answered 75% of the questions
 correctly. The lowest acceptable passing score on a norm-referenced test is usually the 26^th% or higher.
 
The results of the Sunshine State Standards FCAT are reported as levels. For example, Level 5 is the highest that can
 be achieved and indicates that the student can handle the most challenging material. Level 4 shows performance
 above grade level. Level 3 indicates a student is learning as he should. Level 2 is a yellow flag that a student needs to
 work harder and receive extra help at home and at school. Level 1 is a red flag that the child is performing far below
 where he should be and may not be promoted to the next grade.
The FCAT also includes a writing test in grades 4, 8 and 10, which is given in February of each year. This test requires
 students to write about an assigned topic within a 45-minute time limit. Their writing is scored on a predetermined
 set of expectations, including staying on the topic and linking ideas together.

Science is the most recent subject to be tested through FCAT (2005). Eleventh graders are required to take the
 science FCAT.
 
The 10^th grade FCAT is the very important for our high school students. If your child has been educated in Florida
 public schools, they have probably taken the FCAT every spring since 3^rd grade. This test, which is mandated by the
 state, assumes even greater importance during your child’s high school years. By state law, a student pursuing a
 regular diploma must pass both the reading and math portions of the FCAT to graduate. Each year, the state decides
 what grade will be considered ‘passing’. The class of 2006 must score a 300 in reading and a 300 in math in order to
 pass the test. The state indicates that the “passing score will continue to go up. Those who do not pass the FCAT the
 first time have five more chances TO PASS THE TEST WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL OR EVEN AFTER COMPLETION OF
THE SENIOR YEAR, IF NECESSARY. Though the score that constitutes a passing grade may continue to change every
 year, a student who retakes the test only has to get the score established by the Legislature the first time they take
test. One exception to the FCAT graduation requirement was passed by the 2003 Legislature. It allows students with
disabilities who have not earned passing scores on either the reading or math portion of the FCAT to still earn a
standard high school diploma if the IEP team determines that the test does not accurately measure the student’s
 ability. Students seeking this exemption must have attempted the FCAT once in 10^th grade and once in 11^th grade
and have the required 2.0 grade point average in coursework required for graduation.