FCAT Explorer

Math Station: Elementary Mathematics From the Florida Department of Education Program Overview

FCAT Explorer FCAT-like practice on all FCAT-tested strands & benchmarks Reinforces math problem-solving skills Available at no cost to all Florida public schools Accessible from any computer connected to the Internet Interactive practice program Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer Fidelity with the Official FCAT 2.0 Strict adherence to the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and the DOE’s Test Item & Performance Task Specifications Rigorous item development process Items drafted by math teachers and professional item writers Items reviewed by instructional designers, testing specialists, bias reviewers, and professional editors Math Station: Elementary Mathematics GR item in Geometry & Measurement

FCAT Explorer Input from Exemplary Education Professionals Highly-qualified classroom teachers Recommended for expertise in subject area and grade level National Board Certified Recipients of Teacher of the Year awards Experienced as FCAT Coach and/or Reading Coach Masters Degrees Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer FCAT-like Practice FCAT-like practice on all tested areas & benchmarks Algebra Geometry Statistics MC item in Algebra 158 FCAT-like practice items: 127 Multiple Choice (MC) 15 Gridded Response (GR) 18 Short Response (SR) Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer FCAT-like Practice Same style, format, scope & cognitive level as on the FCAT Reviewed by teachers for interest & difficulty Number of items per benchmark based on teacher recommendation Difficulty of benchmark Difficulty for “struggling” students MC item in Algebra Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer FCAT-like Practice Topics drawn from other subject area standards Science Social Studies The Arts Health Education Physical Education Science topic: whale migration Social Studies topic: Seminole Indian houses Motivating graphics reinforce math concept, important ideas in the subject matter, or both Every item presented in real-life problem-solving context Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer Instructional Support Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer 1 ST ATTEMPT CORRECT Learning Guidance Congratulations! Correct Answer Explanation (CAE) Confirms the elements that make an answer correct Reinforces effective skill application CAE’s are carefully worded to convey “more than one way” to solve most problems Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer 1 ST ATTEMPT INCORRECT Learning Guidance Hints for Success to clarify the question without giving away the answer “Common error” feedback written specifically to correct common mistakes Immediate second chance to apply the skill correctly Click MORE HINTS to see additional Hints for Success Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer 2 nd ATTEMPT For CORRECT answer, CAE confirms & reinforces accurate skill application For INCORRECT answer, the CAE: Learning Guidance Identifies correct answer Helps student solve similar problems in the future CAE’s are carefully worded to convey more than one way to solve most problems Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer Practice Items Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer FCAT-like Practice Items Same formatting details as on the FCAT Same notation conventions as on the FCAT MULTIPLE CHOICE Science topic in Algebra Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer Students make calculations on paper as needed Type numbers into the grid and bubbles fill in automatically Many items reinforce correct decimal placement GRIDDED-RESPONSE Natural sciences topic in Algebra Math Station: Elementary Mathematics FCAT-like Practice Items

FCAT Explorer Short-response items: Compare two responses & select the high score Simulation strategies recommended by teachers Based on classroom instructional practices Requires student to compare or assess critical attributes SHORT-RESPONSE Math Station: Elementary Mathematics FCAT-like Practice Items Short Response item in Geometry

FCAT Explorer Special Features Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer ENGAGING INTERFACE Motivational Feature Student chooses freely among 3 Explorations Within each Exploration, student chooses among 3 Themes Within each Theme, student selects a “Trip” Sense of exploration engages curiosity Student control increases motivation Illustration changes to reflect the chosen Exploration Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer Motivational Feature DETAILED ILLUSTRATIONS MC in Algebra Reinforce important concepts and information Help pique curiosity Help maintain attention & endurance Help students perceive math as interesting & relevant Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer Motivational Feature INSTRUCTIONAL GAMES Five Benchmarks-based instructional games Each game reinforces one critical skill Corrective feedback Timed Opportunity to compete for the highest score Fast, colorful, & fun! Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer Special Learning Feature Links directly to items answered incorrectly Helps students focus on skill improvement Displays corresponding strand Requires a 24-hour delay to promote skill application, not “copying” the correct answer CHALLENGE LIST Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer Math Station: Elementary Mathematics Educators’ Tools

FCAT Explorer Educators’ Tools Classroom Teacher’s Desk District Administrator’s Desk School Administrator’s Desk Curriculum resources Skills Location Map Table of Benchmarks and Skills Item Review Letter to Parents Information management tools Sign-in names and passwords Progress Reports Messages to students Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer Check progress on individuals or classes View math data by Theme or Body of Knowledge Compare percentage correct before and after instructional support Student Performance Reports Math Station: Elementary Mathematics At the Classroom Teacher’s Desk

FCAT Explorer The Parent & Family Guide Accessible from the home page without a password Available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole Helps parents, guardians, and mentors understand the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and the FCAT 2.0 Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer Math Station: Elementary Mathematics Linked from the home page Download this PowerPoint presentation Download the School Administrator’s Desk Manual Download the Teacher’s Desk Manual Reading Focus Overview Math Focus Overview Program-specific presentations Download other presentations Visit the Educator Resources Page

FCAT Explorer Toll-Free Help Desk Accessible from the home page without a password FCAT ( ) Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Math Station: Elementary Mathematics

FCAT Explorer To get sign-in names & passwords Math Station: Elementary Mathematics School Principals: Contact your District Office and speak to the “District Administrator” for the FCAT Explorer Teachers: Contact your “School Administrator” for the FCAT Explorer FCAT Explorer Home Page (

FCAT Explorer Log on to the FCAT Explorer! Math Station: Elementary Mathematics