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Frequently Asked Questions

 

  Frequently Asked Questions  

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A. Released Tests

1. What tests were released in 2007?
2. Were answers to the tests also released?
3. Were earlier tests released?
4. How were the tests released?
5. Are the released tests the actual tests that were administered to students?
6. Why were students’ tests and answer sheets not released?
7. What are field-test questions and anchor questions?
8. Where do students record their answers?

B. Taking the Test

1. How much time are students given to take the test?
2. What tools/resources can students use during the test?
3. What are FCAT Achievement Levels 1 through 5? What is an acceptable performance level?
4. What score is needed to pass the test?
5. How can students who are visually-impaired take these tests?
6. What allowances are made for students with disabilities who take the FCAT?
7. What allowances are made for English Language Learners (ELLs)?

C. Using the Released Tests

1. How should the released tests be used?
2. Are there improper uses of the released tests?

D. Test Questions

1. How are test questions selected for the FCAT?
2. What kinds of answers must students provide on the FCAT?
3. Are all of the questions on the test on grade level?
4. Are all FCAT questions the same level of difficulty?
5. Why might FCAT questions seem hard to adults?

E. Scoring the Released Tests

1. Are the correct answers for the test questions provided?
2. Are there different kinds of questions on the test?
3. What other information is provided about the test questions?
4. How are the FCAT written response questions scored?
5. How is the total score on the FCAT determined?
6. What score is needed to pass the Grade 10 FCAT?
7. Why is the FCAT scored using item response methods and pattern scoring?
8. What information do parents receive about student scores?

F. Release of Tests


1. Why did the Department of Education release tests again in 2007?
   

The Department of Education has always wanted to release tests. However, in order to release a test, the supply of test questions must be large enough to replace those that are released. Question development is a time-consuming and expensive process. It takes at least two years and $1,800–$2,000 to develop and try out each question. In order to have enough questions that meet the criteria for use on a test, the Department of Education must initially develop twice the number of questions needed. This is necessary because questions may be eliminated by reviewers (educators and statisticians) at any stage during the test-building process.

The 2007 test release continues the Department of Education’s effort to increase public awareness about what is tested on the FCAT. It has been the Department’s desire for some time to provide more transparency to the FCAT and provide more examples of actual questions that are on the test.

In 2002, the Department of Education began preparing to implement a planned release of tests, and since that time, we have annually requested funds from the Florida Legislature to support this effort. The Department of Education accumulated enough questions to release six tests in 2005, eight tests in 2006, and five tests in 2007.



2. Why aren’t all tests at all grade levels released every year?
3. How much does it cost to release tests?
4. What are the Department of Education’s plans for releasing tests?

G. Information About the FCAT

1. What other information is available about the FCAT?
2. What information is provided to parents about the FCAT each year?

H. FCAT Released Tests Links

1. How to Use the Released Tests
2. Return to FCAT Released Tests Home Page