1. 1 FCAT at Home Karyn Lindsay Coordinator of Educational Services Region XIV Comprehensive Center at ETS 1000 N. Ashley Drive Suite 312 Tampa, FL 33602 klindsay@ets.org

2. 2 FCAT at Home Goal: To assist families to understand FCAT and provide simple strategies for families to use at home

3. 3 Why do we have FCAT? State and federal laws require that students be tested to see how they are progressing academically compared to state educational standards (Sunshine State Standards) and other students across the country. Thus, we have… FCAT!! Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test

4. 4 What does FCAT expect of our kids? FCAT expects our kids to be able to: –Get the main idea and then apply that information –Solve problems and write about how the problem was solved –Write essays from prompts –Take skills and use them in real- life situations

5. 5 What does FCAT expect of our kids? FCAT tests kids in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science FCAT asks four types of questions: –Multiple choice –Short response –Extended response –Gridded response

6. 6 What does FCAT expect of our kids? Kids need to be able to answer two types of questions: Low Order and High Order Low Order questions have factual, almost memorized answers: What are the three colors in the American flag?

7. 7 What does FCAT expect of our kids? High Order questions require more thinking and reasoning answers: Why do you think the boy’s dog ran away? (Here’s a secret… you can make ANY question a high order question just by adding one word: WHY! )

8. 8 How do schools prepare our kids for FCAT? Schools teach skills to ensure that our kids are learning the Sunshine State Standards Schools do practice activities to help kids become familiar with the format of FCAT

9. 9 What can parents do to help their kids? Ask kids to explain what they are learning in school Know what your kids are doing for homework assignments Communicate with the school and teachers frequently Read with your kids as often as possible

10. 10 I already do that! What else can I do? Involve your kids in household chores! Did you know that you can use FCAT skills while: taking out the trash, doing laundry, mowing the grass, washing dishes, vacuuming, cooking, etc. Talk with your kids and ask them high order questions while you’re both working!

11. 11 I already do that! What else can I do? While running errands, ask your kids high order questions: in the car, at the grocery store, in the check-out line, while sitting in the waiting room, at the library, at a restaurant…wherever! Ask high order questions everywhere you go!

12. 12 I already do that! What else can I do? Take advantage of the television! Ask you kids high order questions about the programs and commercials they’re watching During commercials, ask them what just happened, what they think will happen next, and then watch, check your predictions, and make new ones

13. 13 I already do that! What else can I do? Do your kids play video games? Ask your kids high order questions about the particular game they’re playing and what strategies they’re using to try to win the game

14. 14 What it comes down to You are the most significant person in your child’s life – you are your child’s first teacher What you model for your child speaks volumes! You have to model what you want your child to do Have conversations with your kids at every opportunity, asking them high order questions as often as you can!