What types of questions are on the tests? Reading, Mathematics and Science: The Reading, Mathematics and Science tests include multiple choice items and tasks that ask students to solve problems, analyze information, interpret and apply data and other higher-level thinking skills gridded-response, performance tasks, short-response and extended-response items. Writing: The Writing test requires students to write an essay in response to a given prompt. Fourth grade students are asked to write either a narrative or expository response while eighth and tenth grade students must respond by writing either an expository or persuasive essay. How are the tests scored? All multiple choice and gridded-response items are machine scored. At least two trained readers, using rubrics or guidelines, grade each response item, including responses to the Writing test. How are scores reported on the criterion-referenced tests? The criterion-referenced portion of the FCAT Reading and Writing tests report individual student scores on a scale of 100-500 as well as reporting overall school scores in five achievement levels, 1 being low and 5 being high. Student scores also break down into each category of the Reading and Mathematics tests. For example, a third grade student will receive an overall score for the FCAT Reading test, as well as content scores in such skills as being able to comprehend words and phrases in context, identify main ideas, analyze cause and effect and other areas of the test. Similar reports are given on student scores on the Science FCAT, although specific skill level designations have not yet been developed. How are scores reported on the norm-referenced sections? All students in grades 3-10 also take the norm-referenced test section of the FCAT. These scores range from 424 to 863 in all grades and are used primarily to compare individual performance relative to others, including other students in the same grade level across the nation. How can I find out previous scores for my students and school? Data on FCAT scores is reported for students, schools, districts and for the State. Specific information about the previous scores of your students and your school, ask your administrator how to access that information. School scores are available online at http://www.firn.edu/doe/sas/fcat.htm. What if my students do not take FCAT tests this year? Even if the students you teach are not required to take specific FCAT tests, as a teacher you need to be familiar with the Sunshine State Standards, Grade Level Expectations and FCAT test-taking strategies to use in planning instruction. As a member of a school faculty, you are part of the professional team that is charged with the task of developing well-educated students. Your understanding of the purpose, scope and expectations of the FCAT allows you to contribute significantly to your students' academic success. To learn more about how to incorporate this information into your instruction, click here: Assessment and Teaching Strategies