Who is your FCAT EXPLORER?

If your family is in Florida, your child has an account in the FCAT system.  

 

There's good news for all students taking the FCAT this year: you can get free reading and math practice on the FCAT Explorer. That's right: free practice for the FCAT at www.fcatexplorer.com.

The FCAT Explorer is an online practice program made for Florida's public school students by the Florida Department of Education. It features three practice programs created especially for middle school students: Reading Island, Reading Boardwalk, and Math Navigator.

All three programs offer practice for the skills tested on the FCAT and feature lots of stuff to help you get the most out of your study time. You'll receive helpful feedback to the answers you choose and a second chance to answer questions and apply what you've learned. The FCAT Explorer also features helpful online tools like a calculator, a formula reference sheet, and a glossary that defines and pronounces the glossary words.

Best of all, the FCAT Explorer is online, which means you can use it on any computer connected to the Internet: at school, at the library, even at home.

Your performance on the test can benefit from the extra time you spend studying math and reading on the FCAT Explorer. To get your free FCAT Explorer sign-in name and password, see your guidance counselor or media specialist, or visit the Web site at www.fcatexplorer.com. Log on today!

 

Get your sign in name… and password.   Free.  

 

 

 

What is the FCAT? 

The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is the foundation of the statewide educational assessment and accountability program.

 

What is the purpose of the FCAT? 

The purpose of the statewide assessments is to gather information of two kinds:

·    Parents, students, and teachers need FCAT data to provide information about student mastery of skills.

·    The public needs FCAT data to understand the “educational health” of students and to hold schools and districts accountable for progress.

 

What is measured by the FCAT?  The FCAT measures student knowledge and understanding of reading, writing, science, and mathematics content as described in the Sunshine State Standards. There is a direct connection between the Sunshine State Standards and the questions on the FCAT.

 

What are the Sunshine State Standards?  The Standards are skills and competencies that Florida students should be able to learn from an early age, as defined by practicing classroom teachers, educational specialists, business people, and concerned citizens from Florida.

 

When do students take the FCAT?

·    FCAT writing in February.

·    FCAT reading, mathematics, and science in March.

 

How can students prepare for the FCAT?  Teachers should prepare students for success on the FCAT by teaching the important content in the Sunshine State Standards.

Students may also benefit from the free, easy-to-use teaching resource, FCAT Explorer (http://www.fcatexplorer.com), offered via the Internet by the Florida Department of Education or review of the FCAT Sample Test booklets at http://www.firn.edu/doe/sas/fcat/fcatsmpl.htm.

 Florida 32399-0400

 

Test Taking Tips

for Parents to Remember

1)     Make sure your child attends school regularly. Remember that tests reflect the overall achievement of your child. The more often the child is in a learning situation, the more likely he/she will do well on tests.

2)     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.

3)     See that your child has a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind.

4)     See that your child completes homework assignments. Homework supports classroom instruction and can help your child increase his/her comprehension of the classroom work.

5)     Meet with your child’s teacher(s) as often as possible to discuss your child’s progress. Parents and teachers should work together to benefit the child.

6)     Ask the teacher(s) to suggest activities for you to do at home with your child. Such activities can help your child improve his/her understanding of school work.

7)     Make 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 classwork and tests.

8)     Try not to be overly anxious about test scores. Too much emphasis on test scores can be upsetting to children.

9)     Find out which tests your child will take and for what purposes. The school principal and counselor should provide you with a schedule of testing for the year and explain the use of the tests.

10)  Make sure your child arrives on time for school.

11)  See that your child dresses comfortably. Students should wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the weather.

12)  If your child wears a hearing aid or glasses, be sure he/she remembers to use them during all testing sessions.

13)  Make sure your child receives any necessary test taking accommodations.

 

 

Conclusion:  if you want to use the “EASY TO USE” FCAT Explorer program, be sure you know the password.