-
Mar 11, 2008 7:58 am US/Eastern
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
FCAT Testing Begins Tuesday In Florida
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Ready or not, nearly 2 million students in the state of Florida will pick up their number 2 pencils starting Tuesday for the FCAT, also known as the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
FCAT testing runs through March 25th.
The round of tests that start Tuesday for all South Florida public schools covers grades 3 through 10 for reading and math, and grades 5, 8 and 11 for science.
For schools, the stakes are high. Those that make big improvements on previous years will likely receive more funding. Schools that perform worse could face sanctions, including adding remedial classes or, in worse cases, a takeover of the school by the state.
For students, 3rd graders needed to pass the test to advance to fourth grade, and high school students need to pass to graduate.
School officials encourage parents to ensure their children get a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast before taking the FCAT.
A new rule this year bans all cell phones, text messaging devices or video equipment in the classrooms where the tests will be given. If a student violates the policy, his or her FCAT test will be invalidated.
Once the tests are complete, comes the wait for results which could be as agonizing as taking the test itself.
Results this year will likely come the week before summer break and school letter grades won't be announced until July 14 at the earliest, according to the state Department of Education.
For more information or questions, call your child's school.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Helpful Pages at CBS4.com