FSA Parent Information Night Third Grade 2017

Practice Students are taking practice tests. Knowing the format and seeing the types of questions that will be asked can help build your child’s confidence. Students are practicing test taking strategies. Weekly classroom reading assessments have formatted FSA questions

What is on the Reading FSA? Informational Magazine articles How-to Articles Advertisements Biographies Literary Short Stories Poems Fables/Folktales/Myths Narratives Plays

Reading Vocabulary Prefixes (un-, dis-, re-, etc.) Suffixes (-ness, -ly, etc.) Root words Multiple Meaning Words Antonyms Synonyms Relationships between words Words in context Figurative Language

Types of Reading Content tested on FSA Main Idea Sequence/Chronological Order Author’s Point of View/Perspective Character’s Point of View Drawing Conclusions/Inferences Text Features Themes Compare/Contrast Text Structure

Sample FSA Reading Vocabulary Question: They shuffle, or drag their feet, on the ice as they move from place to place. What does shuffle mean as used in the sentence above? To run very fast To hope on one foot To take large steps To walk without lifting their feet

Sample FSA Question: Based on evidence from the text, Ronelle would MOST likely agree with the idea that Fruit Snacks are a healthy snack. Getting a cavity filled is a fun experience It is easy to be in charge of a younger brother Fruits are good for you because they are naturally sweet.

Sample Multi-Select Question:

Sample Question: For graphic response items, enter your response by drawing lines between matching words or phrases. Drawing lines is the correct way to enter your answer ONLY for the items that ask you to do this. Example: Draw lines to match the words with the correct definitions based on information in the passage. Sun A satellite that revolves around the Earth. Moon The star at the center of the Solar System.

For two-part items, enter your responses to two related questions For two-part items, enter your responses to two related questions. The two parts of the item may be either multiple-choice (one correct answer) or multi-select (more than one correct answer), so be sure to read the item carefully to know how many correct answers to choose.

Sample FSA Question:

What’s on the Math Computer-Based FSA? Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division Multiplication Properties Solve Problems in four operations and explain patterns Use Place Value Fractions Time: nearest minute, elapsed time Volume and Mass Describe & analyze 2D shapes Algebra (patterns, tables, graphs) Data Analysis (construct & read tables, graphs, pictographs, line plots) Measurement: nearest quarter inch Area and Perimeter

Sample Question 3 (Multi- Select): Select all expressions that have a product of 320. 3 x 90 4 x 80 5 x 60 8 x 40 9 x 30

Some equation items have two parts Some equation items have two parts. For a two-part equation item like the one in Example B, be sure to enter your answer for each part of the item.

Common Math Mistakes to Avoid Rushing Kids get it in their minds that those who finish the quickest are the best at math. The test-writers know that doing half the steps will result in answer “A”, so the student stops halfway through the problem but finds his answer. Not Making a Picture or Table to Help It doesn’t matter HOW students get the answer as long as it is right. So, using a picture to help students “see” the solution will often help a student. Answering the wrong question Test writers throw in extra numbers and information Students need to make sure they are answering the actual question being asked.

Help Your Child Understand These Very Important Tips Pay attention - Stress that they will need to listen to the testing instructions very closely and follow the directions exactly. Don’t rush to finish - Make sure they use any extra time to check their answers and complete any questions they left blank. Solve the problem twice!

Help Your Child Understand These Very Important Tips Skipping is OK - Remind your child that they don’t have to answer the questions in order. If they’re unsure about a question, tell them it’s OK to come back to it later. Students will have enough time if they maintain a consistent pace throughout the test. They should not get “bogged-down” on any one question. Encourage your child to answer every question.

Help Your Child Understand These Very Important Tips Find the best answer - It’s tempting for children to choose the first answer that looks right. Make sure they understand that several of the answers may seem right, but that they need to choose the one best answer. Check reasonableness

Help Your Child Understand These Very Important Tips Aim High! Encourage them to do their best and help them believe that they will do well. Send them to school with words of encouragement and make sure he/she is relaxed, confident, and positive.

Minimize the “Fear Factor” Let your child know that it is normal to be nervous about the “unknown”, but the more he/she knows about the test the less nervous they will feel. Help them understand that they can rely on what they have been taught throughout the year.

What You Can Do at Home: Look over homework and weekly classroom assessments. i-Station i- Ready Study Multiplication Facts Read to and with your child

Put them to bed: Sleepy children have a tough time concentrating. It is particularly important for your child to get a good night’s sleep the night before a big test. For most elementary school children, 10 hours of sleep every night is best.

Give them “brain food” Give your child a healthy breakfast the morning of a big test and remember that good nutrition fuels brains year-round. Food high in fat or sugar doesn’t provide the nutrients children need to do their best.

Student Progression Reading is the basic skill upon which all others are built. Sometimes more time is needed. Retention may set up the child for greater future success. A minimum score is required for promotion to 4th grade.

Why is Retention Sometimes Necessary? Retention is the act of having a student repeat a grade to give them the extra time they need to build a stronger academic “foundation”. If a student repeats a grade, it does not mean that the student has failed. It does not mean that teachers or parents are not working hard enough.

What if a Student Doesn’t Pass the Test? If a student receives a non-passing score on the Reading FSA: Student will take the SAT-10 assessment before the school year ends. Student could also be promoted based on an i-Station test scored at or above the 50th percentile (taken before the school year ends).

For more Information: www.fldoe.org (State of FL Department of Education) www.lake.k12.fl.us (Lake County Website) www.FSAssessments.org www.Istation.com www.login.i-ready.com www.fcatexplorer.com

Third Grade FSA Schedule: Reading FSA: March 27 - 28 Math FSA: April 10 – May 5 (window)