What is the FCAT?
     
    for 2005-2006
    High School Juniors
    and Seniors
     
    The Florida
    Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is the foundation of the statewide educational
    assessment and accountability
    program. The FCAT program includes
    assessments in the following
    areas:
      
    • Writing for students in grades 4, 8, and 10
     
    • Reading and Mathematics for students in grades 3 through 10
     
    • Science for students in grades 5, 8, and 11
     
    Do I have to pass the FCAT to graduate?
     
    Yes, but one single
    test
    does not determine graduation.
    The law is
    very specific
    in that
    no student can
    receive
    a standard high school diploma from a Florida
    public
    school unless that student has met all
    academic requirements.
    This means that
    students
    must take
    required
    courses,
    earn the correct
    number
    of credits,
    earn the required
    minimum cumulative
    grade point
    average,
    and pass the required
    Grade 10
      
    Reading and Mathematics FCAT to graduate.
     
    How many chances do I have to pass the FCAT?
    ?
    If
    you don’t pass the first
    time, you will
    have more opportunities
    to take the test. FCAT retakes
    are
    administered
    in the Fall,
    Spring,
    and Summer to 11
    th
      
    and 12
    th
     
    graders. From the 10
    th
     
    grade through the
    12
    th grade,
    most students have six chances to pass the FCAT.
    What scores do I need to pass the FCAT?
    ?
    You must earn a minimum developmental scale score of 1926 on the Grade 10 Reading FCAT and a
    minimum developmental scale
    score of 1889 on the Grade 10 Mathematics FCAT. Generally
    all
    students
    (except
    certain
    students
    with disabilities),
    including
    those who transfer
    from another state
    with passing
    scores on a previous statewide
    assessment, must earn passing scores on the FCAT before receiving
    a
    standard Florida high school diploma.
    Where can I go to get help?
      
    Make an appointment to see your guidance counselor immediately.
     
    For more
    information
    about FCAT,
    contact:
     
    Offce of Assessment and School Performance
     
    Florida Department of Education
     
    325 West Gaines Street, Suite 414
     
    Phone: (850) 245-0513 or Suncom 205-0513, Fax: (850) 245-0771
     
    http://www.firn.edu/doe/
    sas.fcat.htm
      
    Updated 8-24-05
     
    Tallahassee, Florida
    32399-0400
      
    for 2005-2006
    High School Juniors
    and Seniors
     
    What kind of assistance can I receive from my school?
    ?
    •
     
    Make sure you have a current Academic Improvement Plan.
      
    •
     
    Make sure you are enrolled in the proper remedial courses.
      
    •
     
    If you failed the Reading portion, make sure that you are enrolled in an intensive reading
    class.
      
    •
     
    If you failed the Mathematics portion, make sure that you are enrolled in an intensive
    Mathematics class.
      
    What are my options if I don’t pass the FCAT during my senior year?
    ?
    •
     
    Continue your high school education through summer school or return to high school the
    following year for additional instruction or remediation.
      
    •
     
    Adult Education Standard High School Diploma (must pass the FCAT)
      
    •
     
    GED Exit Option
      
    •
     
    Common Placement Test (CPT)—Eligible Certificate of Completion
      
    •
    ?
    Additional fl
    exibility for military-dependent students who transfer to Florida during their
    senior year
      
    What can I do to help myself pass the FCAT?
     
    •
    ?
    Attend all remediation classes/activities.
    •
    ?
    Make sure that you have talked with your guidance counselor regarding your options.
      
    •
    ?
    If you need help in reading, make sure that you are enrolled in a remedial reading program.
    •
    ?
    If you need help in Mathematics, make sure that you are enrolled in a remedial Mathematics
    program.
      
    •
    ?
    Sign up for the online assistance program, FCAT Explorer – you can work on this at home.
      
    •
    ?
    Ask for a mentor or a tutor.
      
    •
    ?
    Make sure that you have a well-balanced diet.
    A healthy body is important to a healthy mind.
      
    •
    ?
    Complete your homework assignments. Homework supports classroom instruction and will
    help you master classroom work.
      
    •
    ?
    Make sure you are well rested on the day of the test.
      
    •
    ?
    Arrive on time for school.
      
    Florida Department of Education
    ?
    Bureau of Family and Community Outreach
    ?
    325 West Gaines Street, Suite 544
    ?
    Tallahassee, Florida
    32399-0400
    ?
    Phone: (850) 245-0847 or Suncom 205-0847, Fax: (850) 245-0849
    ?
    http://www.firn.edu/doe/family/
    ?
    www.fldoe.org
    ?
    Updated 8-24-05
     

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