Students, teachers gaining confidence about FCATs [FL testing under Jeb's leadership: Rising scores]

The Palm Beach Post ^ | Sunday, Feb. 10, 2002 | Mary Ellen Flannery

[summer]

Students, teachers gaining confidence about FCATs [FL testing under Jeb's leadership: Rising scores]


To the obvious delight of these FL teachers, Governor Jeb Bush
leads the way.

By Mary Ellen Flannery, Palm Beach Post
Staff Writer
Sunday, February 10, 2002

Fourth-grader Nicole Carver sat at her desk Wednesday, about an hour before she and her Wynnebrook Elementary classmates wrote one final practice essay, and sang along to the school's spring anthem, "It's test time, it's test time."

Yes, it is that time of year again in Palm Beach County and all over Florida. The state's fourth-, eighth-, and 10th-graders sit down Tuesday for the first part of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test: the writing exam. In early March, third- through 10th-graders will sharpen their pencils for the reading and math sections.

"I've been singing that song since kindergarten," Carver whispered. "That's kindergarten, and first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade -- I know all the words by heart."

And that's not all she knows.

Carver and her classmates have been preparing for the FCAT for years -- and certainly all of the 108 days that they've spent in teacher Caron Martin's classroom this year.

"When I get those FCATs in my hands and start walking into this room, I know they're (the papers) going to start shaking," Martin told her students, mocking the voice of a scared FCAT paper. "Oh no! Not Portable 17! They're too good! They're going to knock me out of the park! The other FCATs will laugh at me!"

"Ms. Martin, those tests are going to say, 'Retreat!' " predicted a confident Stewart Folmer.

This is the ninth year Florida students have taken a statewide writing exam -- it used to be called the Florida Writes! -- and writing scores have soared to all-time highs.

Last year, about 91 percent of all students in Palm Beach County scored a 3 out of a possible 6 to pass the test. Statewide, 90 percent passed.

Scores have been so terrific that state officials considered raising the passing score this year to a 4, but backed off when parents and teachers complained about the midstream switch. In the revamped scoring system, which the state Cabinet approved in December, schools will get extra credit for students who score a 4 or better.

This is the first change in the FCAT writing test in years, and it's hard to predict how it will affect school scores. Part of the reason students have been so successful on the writing test is it's the one test that hasn't changed over the years, principals said. Students know exactly what to expect: one essay and 45 minutes to write it.

Fourth-graders get either a narrative or expository essay. If it's narrative, they might have to write about the day they shrank to the size of a mouse. If it's expository, they might explain what they want to be when they grow up. Eighth- and 10th-graders also could get a persuasive essay: Why should every home have a pet?

Preparation for the test started years ago. By second grade, most students are writing essays, speaking fluently about main ideas and supporting details, and taking Palm Beach Writes, the district's practice exam styled after the FCAT.

Some schools start even younger. At Lake Park Elementary, even the 5-year-olds know the difference between a 1 and a 6 score, Assistant Principal Champ Bogue said. A kindergartner's perfect score is a sentence with a capital letter and period, and a picture that matches.

At this point, with just days to go before the test, students and teachers are just polishing the details. Remember the judges and make your essay interesting for them, Martin said. Start the essay with a "grabber" and finish it with a "twist," she said -- as she led her students in a sweaty rendition of that very same song.

Use interesting words!

"Don't write 'the cat ran,' write 'the feline sprinted!' " Martin encouraged.

"Yeah, you'll give the judge a nightmare -- 'The cat ran,' 'The cat ran,' 'The cat ran,' 'The cat ran,' " said fourth-grader Matthew Moses, mimicking a near bored-to-death writing judge.

Use similes!

"The sand was as hot as the surface of the sun!" Martin shouted.

Wynnebrook Principal Jeff Pegg said, "Fourth-graders, we've given you all the tools you need to be successful," including planning sheets, lists of "said-o-nyms" (why use "said" when you can write "barked"?), and Arnold Schwarzenegger transitions, which are the strongest around, like "first and foremost," or "last but not least."

"Maybe we can get Arnold here for the FCAT," suggested Matthew.

At Wynnebrook, it seems students don't need to call on the pumped-up Austrian for help. In their last practice test, 90 percent of the 200 fourth-graders scored a 3, and nearly 60 percent scored a 3.5 -- including Nicole, who wrote a narrative-style essay about finding a box with sea horse earrings.

"I was so happy I jumped up and down like a rabbit!" she wrote.

In Martin's class, the average score on expository essays soared from 1.7 in August to 3.6. ("Dang!" whispered one student.) On narratives, which are considered a little harder because the students can't rely on a regular format, Martin's students jumped from 1.7 to 3.3 on average.

But FCAT still makes students and teachers nervous because the stakes are so high. Scores are used to grade schools and money is attached to those grades. For individual students, their scores can mean the difference between graduating to fifth grade.

So, during these last few days, before the magic pencils are sharpened, teachers like Martin are working on one important 50-cent word: apprehension.

"My Dad was asking me, 'Are you ready?' And I said, 'Um, um, um, um, yeah...' " said fourth-grader Amber Baird.

"Do you still need all those um's?" Martin asked.

"No!"

mary_ellen_flannery@pbpost.com

[ladylurker]

FYI. BTW, I thought that recent article in the Orlando Sentinel, allegedly about what FL 4th graders are required to know, was nothing but a hit piece.

I read that story. I agree, a hit piece.

I'm glad to read some of the positive results with the F-CAT. I've always thought the F-CAT program was at least worth trying. Many of the parents in my neighborhood dislike it intensly. Their number one complaint? Their children spend too much time studying to pass that stupid test, instead of learning regular things, lol.

I'm afraid they just don't get it. The children are learning what every child should learn, READING, WRITING and ARITHMETIC. We are back to the basics (at least in the years the tests are required), which in turn will give the children a great base to build upon in the future. All of this is being accomplished without going through the NEA to get permission to change the curriculum to boot!

I'd like the program better if they were tested more often (less time spent on socialist gobbly gook). Maybe someday in the future we will be able to say that 90% of the children scored 5's or better. I think we are finally heading in the right direction.

[summer]

I think we are finally heading in the right direction.

Thanks so much for your post, ladylurker. And, I agree with you -- I think we are heading in the right direction. I took tests as a kid. Every year. No big deal.

Also, as a FL certified teacher, I can tell you that students of ALL ages become INTENSELY interested inacquiring test-taking skills when you explain to them the following: you must take and pass a test to get your DRIVER'S LICENSE someday, to get your PILOT's license, your BOATING license, etc. Kids want to drive, fly, ride, everything! And, some of them are shocked that a TEST is required before you can do these things! Suddenly, they WANT to know all about how to ace a test. It is not tough getting kids interested.

Also, I think the F-CAT is a good test and getting better, in that students are required to EXPLAIN how they arrived at answers in the math portion of the test. It is not just "pick a or b or c" -- it is SHOW YOUR WORK AS PART OF THE TEST. That is a very different task than closing your eyes and choosing a letter!

With respect to parents, I think some parents are getting brainwashed by the same forces that often brainwash teachers -- however, I think anyone who has been trained as teacher and tells the truth, KNOWS that ASSESSMENT really IS part of teaching. End of story!!! :)

[summer]

Also, I think = In addition, I think...

[summer]

But I am truly happy about these Florida results.

Same here, umgud. Thank you for taking the time to post your comments. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts here. :)

[RobbyS]

NJ, No Founding Fathers, Old White Men, and Pilgrim and Puritan are out too since the Name implies "Religion" in addition, the word "War" is taken out and Replaced by "Conflict" These changes were implemented during a REPUBLICAN RINO Administration. Evidence of the tyranny of the educational establishment, now firmly in the hands of 60's radicals and their students.

[summer]

FYI -- Also see this related link:

Education Makes the Difference [A published essay by Jeb Bush, February 2002]

[Salvation]

Education bump.

[summer]

Thanks, Salvation! :)

[twigs]

Thanks for pinging me on this. I'm glad to finally hear teacher's say that test-taking has a place in education! I keep hearing teachers here (PA) complain that having these tests forces teachers to "teach to the test." Never understood that. It always seemed to me that there are standards we should be following and test-taking is important. This is the first time I've read teachers actually taking the opposite view. Thank you for the encouragement!

[summer]

My pleasure! Too bad the loudest, complaining voices are usually the only ones that get heard. I know MANY teachers who recognize -- without hesitation -- that assessment IS certainly a part of teaching and the learning process. And tests are one way to test. A well designed test, following clearly communicated objectives, is not exactly news!

BTW, notice the teachers in this photo truly look thrilled to have Gov. Bush ini their classroom. That's because Gov. Bush is ALWAYS out there in the field WITH teachers -- this is standard for him -- unlike other elected officials, who need a map to find the schools because election day is drawing near.

Thank you for your post, twigs! :)

[summer]

to test. = to assess.

[mafree]

Bump- Go Jeb!!

[Sgt_Schultze]

In Maryland, the statewide testing scores are dropping. The solution - scrap and revise the test. Apparently, changing the curriculum isn't the answer, making the test easier, now that's the ticket!

[summer]

revise the test.

I understand your point, Sgt. Schultze, but know there ARE diffferences in the quality of tests. A 'good' test, for example, is designed to be aligned with the objectives that have been communicated and taught. And, clearly communicating learning objectives -- as well as providing materials pertaining to those objectives -- are two areas where I think school districts often fail teachers, making teachers' jobs harder.

But I agree with you -- there is no need to "dumb" down testing. The real need is to get all the pieces in place and on the table -- learning objectives, materials to teachers, teachers who can teach and motivate, and tests related to the stated objectives.

Thanks for your post. BTW, I like your screen name! :)

[summer]

mafree, I so appreciate you always bumping these threads! :)

[Cincinatus' Wife]

[beowolf]

Good article. Children need to be taught that they must learn in school. Testing is the only way to measure the ability of the students, teachers, methods, and schools. The most vocal opponents seem to be the teacher's unions and the parents of sub-standard students....both group are simply trying to cover-up their own failings.

[Sgt_Schultze]

I think I agree with you, but... In Maryland, that test has been used for the last 8 years or so. It had been touted as a model for the nation. Scores were rising - until last year. This year they have fallen again, prompting the cries to "recalibrate" the test.

Thanks for the compliments on the name. I am preparing for my congressional testimony ... I know nothiiing!

[dalebert]

Thanks for this article. I think one of the best things about Jeb is his way of getting people involved and their enthusiasm pumping. Its done in such a positive way you have to admire it.I give Jeb an A+

[summer]

Re your post #36. That was very sweet of you, CW. Thanks. And, same to you. :)