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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?

2. Why aren’t all tests at all grade levels released every year?
   

It is the Department of Education’s goal to release more FCAT tests each year; however, producing enough new test questions to produce new tests annually is very expensive. More than two times the number of questions on a test must be developed for each test released. This is time consuming and would cost more than the Department of Education receives from the Legislature. Because of these funding constraints, the Department of Education has released some tests each year rather than releasing all tests every year.

An abundance of information regarding all of the tests is available. Every year, the Department of Education provides sample tests for students that contain examples of about 15 test questions for each grade and subject. Many documents are provided to educators that describe the test and the development of the FCAT, including the guidelines for writing test questions and the specifications for each test. (See the “More Information about the FCAT” section.)



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