FSA Parent Information Night Presented by Stacy Pallitto Sorrento Elementary Counselor/Testing Coordinator

Differences FCAT vs FSA Measure different standards Developed by different company Moving towards all computer based testing All Florida schools teach the Florida Standards The Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) provide parents, teachers, administrators and the general public with information on how students are learning the Florida Standards

How do the Florida Standards benefit my student? Prepare students for success in college, career and life by emphasizing analytical thinking FSA includes more than multiple-choice questions Students may be asked to create graphs, interact with test content and write and respond differently than on traditional tests Question types assess students higher-order thinking skills Parents and families are able to review samples of question types by accessing practice tests on the FSA portal

How can I support my student? Parents and families can promote student success by staying involved in their child’s education Offer positive support and feedback, encouraging your child to relax and do his/her very best Stay connected with your child’s school and teachers by taking advantage of online resources (website and portals) Ensuring that your child comes to school on time every day and ready to learn

What FSA tests are administered? Grade 3- ELA-Reading and Math Grade 4- ELA- Writing/Reading and Math Grade 5- ELA- Writing/Reading and Math Grade 5- Statewide Science Assessment- Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS)

Information for parents of 3rd grade students Florida Statutes direct that third grade students who score Level 1 in reading on the statewide Florida Standard Assessment-English Language Arts (FSA-ELA) must be retained Parents will be notified if your child scores a Level 1 and there will be additional opportunities for them to demonstrate proficiency in reading Additionally some students may be eligible for a good cause exemption

3rd grade FSA Dates FSA ELA Reading- April 10th and 11th (paper based) FSA Math- April 24th and 25th (computer based) 80 minute sessions each day

4th grade FSA Dates FSA Writing – March 5th 120 minutes (paper based test) Score will be part of Reading test score FSA Reading– April 17th and 18th (computer based test) FSA Math- May 2nd and 3rd (computer based test) Each session for Reading and Math are 80 minutes

5th grade FSA Dates FSA Writing – March 5th 120 minutes (paper based test) Part of Reading score FSA Math – April 26th and 27th (Calibration school, CBT) Statewide Science Assessment – April 30th and May 1st (paper based test) FSA ELA reading– May 8th and 9th (computer based test) All test sessions for Math, Reading, and Science are 80 minutes long.

Testing Policies Electronic Devices: If students are found with ANY electronic devices during testing or during breaks, their test will be invalidated. The best practice would be for students to leave these at home on days of testing. Leaving campus: If students leave campus before testing is complete, they will not be allowed to complete the test. Discussing test content after testing: Students may not reveal/discuss details about the test items or passages to anyone. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, e-mailing or Social Media. If found sharing information about test items, the test will be invalidated.

Testing Policies Continued Testing Rules Acknowledgement- All FSA tests include a Testing Rules Acknowledgement printed in the student’s test and answer book: “I understand the testing rules that were just read to me. If I do not follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated” Prior to testing the test administrator will read the rules and students acknowledge that they understand the testing rules by signing below the statement Working Independently- Students are responsible for doing their own work. FLDOE employs a test security company (CAVEON) to analyze student test results to detect similar answer patterns. Student test within a school that extremely similar answer patterns will have their results invalidated

Where to locate information on FSA? www.fsassessments.org Students and Families Practice Tests Frequently Asked Questions Understanding FSA Reports Practice Tests Quick Guide FSA ELA and Mathematics Fact Sheet FDOE Assessment Page

Additional resources about FSA CPALMS stands for “Collaborate, Plan, Align, Learn, Motivate and Share” CPALMS is a one-stop educational portal with approximately 9,000 reviewed and approved resources and interactive tools CPALMS can assist parents and families in locating information on the Florida Standards, accessing standards and related instructional resources

How to prepare for testing? * Get plenty of sleep the night before tests. Research supports getting 8-10 hours of sleep the night before as well as 7 days prior to testing will help a student do their best Limiting electronics/screen time before testing will help students focus as well Having a healthy breakfast (protein) to start the day

How to prepare for testing Encourage your student to use the entire time allowed. They must sit quietly when they finish testing, encourage them to use the time wisely and check answers. Arrive to school on time Refrain from scheduling appointments on assessment days, they cannot complete the session if they are checked out early Research indicates students test better when with the teacher and environment in which they are accustomed Campus will be closed on days of testing for visitors

Florida Statewide Assessment 2018-19 FSA English Language Arts and Math Dates Assessment April 1-12, 2019 Grades 4th and 5th Writing Grade 3 ELA Reading May 1-14, 2019* Grade 4th and 5th ELA Reading Grade 3rd, 4th and 5th Math May 1-14, 2019 * Grade 5 Statewide Science Assessment

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