1. Tips for
taking the
Grades 9 and 10
FCAT 2.0 Reading Test
on the computer

2. It’s almost time to take the FCAT 2.0!
Here are some important explanations and reminders to help you do your very best.

3. FCAT 2.0
This year, students in grades 9 and 10 will take FCAT 2.0 Reading on the computer
There are two sessions of FCAT 2.0 Reading; you will complete the sessions over two days
You will have 70 minutes to complete each session of FCAT 2.0 Reading

4. Let’s talk about the term
Test Invalidation
Let’s talk about the term
test invalidation.
It’s important for you to understand what it means so it won’t happen to you!

5. Test Invalidation
If your test is invalidated, it means that your test will not be scored, and you will not be able to retake the same test.

6. To make sure your test is scored. . .
Remove all electronic devices.
If you have an electronic device at your desk, in your pocket, or ANYWHERE you can reach it during testing or on a break, your test will not be scored.

7. Electronic Devices Some examples of electronic devices are:
Cell phones or smart phones
Handheld video games
MP3 players
Calculators

8. All electronic devices must be turned off before the test
All electronic devices must be turned off before the test. Your teacher may collect them or instruct you to put them away (in a locker or backpack away from your desk).
If you aren’t sure if something is an electronic device, please ask your teacher before the test.

9. To make sure your test is scored. . .
Do your own work. If you are caught looking at another student’s answers, talking about the test with other students during breaks, or using any kind of unauthorized aid (cheat sheet, etc.) during the test, your test will not be scored.

10. To make sure your test is scored. . .
Don’t be disruptive. If you are disruptive during a test, you may be dismissed from the room and your test may not be scored. It is very important for you to remain quiet, respect other students, and pay attention to the instructions.

11. To make sure your test is scored. . .
Don’t leave school. If you leave the school’s campus for lunch or an appointment before you finish taking a test session, you will not be allowed to complete the session.

12. TestHear is the computer program you will use to take FCAT 2.0 Reading.

13. Worksheets
Before you begin testing, your test administrator will give you a worksheet that you may use to take notes.
When you complete a test session, the test administrator will collect your worksheet. 13

14. Computer-Based Tests
Before you begin testing, your test administrator will give you a Student Authorization Ticket. You will use the Login ID number and Test Code at the bottom of the ticket to log in to the test. 14

15. Computer-Based Tests
When your test administrator tells you to do so, you will enter the Login ID and Test Code printed on your ticket in the boxes on the login screen. 15

16. Computer-Based Tests After you log in, you will see a Welcome Screen.
After you click Next, you will go to the Testing Rules Acknowledgement Screen. 16

17. Computer-Based Testing Rules
During the test, you must not:
Talk to other students or make any disturbance
Look at another student’s computer screen or worksheet
Allow another student to look at your computer screen or worksheet
Ask for help answering any test questions
Have notes or scratch paper, other than your worksheet
Have any electronic or recording devices in your possession at any time, including breaks, even if you do not use them
Fail to follow any other instructions given 17

18. Computer-Based Testing Rules
Before the test, your test administrator will read the testing rules aloud, and ask you to read the Testing Rules Acknowledgment on your screen. You will be asked to click the checkbox next to the statement to show that you understand the rules. 18

19. Computer-Based Tests
Your test administrator will give you a four-digit test group code on each day. When told to do so, you will enter your test group code in the boxes. After you enter the code and click Next, you will begin the test. 19

20. Computer-Based Tools
You may use any of the tools at the top of the screen to help you with your test.

21. Computer-Based Tools The Pointer Tool
You will use this tool to select your answer to each question. You can also click the pointer tool to turn off other tools. 21

22. Computer-Based Tools The Eliminate Choice Tool
You can use this tool to cross out answer choices that you have eliminated as possible correct answers. 22

23. A red X will appear over answers you eliminate using this tool23

24. Computer-Based Tools The Highlighter Tool
You can use this tool to highlight portions of a question or a graphic. 24

25. highlighter cursor over the text you wish to highlight.
You can drag the
highlighter cursor over the
text you wish to highlight. 25

26. Computer-Based Tools
The Eraser Tool You can use the eraser tool to remove
highlighting and to erase an X from an eliminated choice. To erase highlighting, with the eraser tool selected, click anywhere in the highlighted area. 26

27. Computer-Based Tools The Notepad Tool
When you click this tool, a notepad appears in a pop-up window. You can type notes for a passage or item, and the notes will stay with that passage or item. 27

28. Computer-Based Tools This is what the notepad window will look like.28

29. Computer-Based Tools The Help Tool
You can click this tool for information on how the tools work. 29

30. The Help Window This is what the information in the Help Window
will look like. 30

31. Navigating through the Test
Use the buttons at the bottom of the screen to move through the test.

32. Navigating through the Test
The Back button takes you to the previous item.
The Reset button clears your answer.
The Go To button takes you to the item review screen.
The Next button takes you the next item.
The Review button marks an item for review. 32

33. Answering an Item
To answer an item, you will click the bubble to select your answer. You can clear your answer by clicking another answer choice or the reset button at the bottom of the screen.

34. Finishing Session 1
When you have completed Session 1, click the Go To button. Check the Item Review Screen to ensure you have answered all the items, and go back to questions you have marked for review.

35. Item Review Screen
The Question Name Column is a list of the questions. When you click on a question, it takes you to that test item.
The Answered? Column tells you if the question is answered or not answered.
The Review? Column shows
you which items you have marked
for review. If you marked an answer
for review, you will see a link that
says Review that will take you
to the item.

36. Finishing Session 1
After you have answered all test questions in Session 1, you will click Next Section. Only press the Next Section button when you are done with Session 1 questions. You cannot go back to Session 1 once you exit the test. 36

37. Finishing Session 1
After clicking Next Section, confirm you are done with Session 1 and ready to move on. 37

38. Ending Session 1 To exit at the end of Session 1, click the
Exit button. 38

39. Save and Exit Session 1
In the pop-up window, click “Yes, exit the test” 39

40. Session 2
On day two of the test, your test administrator will give you a four-digit seal code. When told to do so, you will enter the seal code in the box on the bottom of the screen. 40

41. Finishing the Test
Click the Go To button and check the Item Review Screen to ensure you have answered all the items in Session 2, and go back to questions you have marked for review.

42. Submit Button
Only press the Submit button on your test when you are sure you are completely done. You cannot go back into your test once it is submitted.

43. Submit Button
After pressing the Submit button, you will be asked to confirm your submission. Only press the Yes, submit my test button when you are sure you are completely done.
You cannot go back into your test once it is submitted.

44. Practice Test Session
You will learn more about the test and be able to practice using the tools and answering items when you take an ePAT practice test. 44

45. Remember… You may not ask for help in answering any test questions.
Your teacher or test administrator is not allowed to discuss the test or help you read, understand, or answer test questions.
Try to answer every question.

46. Remember . . .
Once you submit your test, you cannot go back. Be sure to check your answers and try to answer every question before submitting your test.

47. Remember . . .
During breaks and after testing, it’s important that you don’t talk about the test questions with friends, classmates, teachers, or other students.

48. Most importantly:
Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast before the test.
Relax and do your best!