In schools across Florida there is a four letter word muttered by students, teachers, and parents alike. That four letter word is of course FCAT! Let’s take a look at why we have the FCAT and if it in fact helps students.

The FCAT is in Florida because Florida wanted to receive federal money to help with paying for public education. As part of the national government’s No Child Left Behind, states were required to give a series of standardized tests to assess student achievement and progress from year to year. School grades were then tied into FCAT scores; with just this year being the first year additional criteria was used. For this reason schools and teachers alike have found themselves changing their instruction to teach to the test. In some cases, extra-curricular activities and classes have been minimized or cancelled all together in order to have students better prepared for the FCAT.

When you look deeper into the FCAT you see grade distribution affected by gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and language deficiencies. This is a test that is supposed to be equally fair for all of Florida’s students and thus equally comparing all of Florida’s schools. It accomplishes neither. Remember, a specific passing score on the FCAT is required for high school students in order to qualify for graduation.

Despite our frustrations the FCAT is not going anywhere anytime soon. In order for students to move up grade levels and eventually graduate school it is vital for parents to do all they can to prepare their children for the FCAT. Contact your students’ school and ask what free supplemental services they provide in order to help students with their FCAT performance. As I always say … Be active in your child’s education no matter what!

Mrs. Donovan