As spring arrives, so do State Assessments for Levy County students. Soon our students will be taking the FCAT Writes Exam, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0), the Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA), and the End-of-Course (EOC) Exams for Geometry, Biology and Algebra I. I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents of a few important "parent involvement" guidelines and tips. First, parents can obtain fact sheets, information, sample tests, and resources by going to http://fcat.fldoe.org and by visiting the http://www.fldoe.org/aala website. It is just as important for parents to be informed as it is for our students. I would like to encourage all parents and guardians to visit these websites for information regarding FCAT and other state assessments.
Parents can help increase student success in school by promoting daily attendance, encouraging their children to do well in school, making sure their children have a well-rounded diet, keeping up with their children`s progress, and making sure that their children are well-rested on school days and especially on testing days. Parents are also encouraged to meet with their child`s teachers throughout the school year. This year, testing begins on February 28, 2012, with FCAT Writing administered in Grades 4, 8, and 10. This test requires students to write an essay in response to a prompt. The FCAT Writing Test will be administered on February 28, 2012, with make-up days scheduled for February 29 and March
1. English Language Learners (ESOL students) will be taking the Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA) starting on March 5, 2012. The CELLA assesses students` skills in Listening/Speaking, Reading and Writing. FCAT Retake Exams in Reading and Mathematics will begin on April 9, 2012 for juniors and seniors. Students in Grades 3-10 will be taking FCAT Reading, Mathematics, and Science during the April 16-April 27 testing window. You will need to check with your school`s Testing Coordinator or your child`s teacher to get a specific calendar of what is tested each day beginning on April 16, since students in grades 3-10 must take different parts of the test on different days.
By: Valerie Boughanem, District Testing Coordinator, School Board of Levy County |
