[summer]

With FL students being tested next week, I thought some people might be interested in seeing sample tests. So, FYI and enjoy! :)

[summer]

FYI. :)

[yoe]

I couldn't get the pages to load; waited about two minutes, is that because they are so long?

[I still care]

Thanks, summer. I have DSL, and it took a while to load, but I saw the tests. I read the 3rd grade math, and it seemed like it would be a hard exam to prepare for. I was expecting to see math problems but instead it seems to be more reasoning problems. It seems simple but if your child lacks reasoning skills I guess it might be hard.

Some questions, like reading a thermometer, were easy. But others seemed like logic problems.

[peteram]

Hi Summer - See post #5. Are re-do's allowed?

[pt17]

Summer, I'd do this but it would probably take too long to download and, when it did, the test might remove all doubt about how stupid I am. I think I'll leave the doubt in place. :-)

[gitmo]

Summer,
We have similar testing in NC. You cannot graduate certain grades without passing the tests. The teachers tell me that the "gateway grades" spend the entire year preparing for these tests, and doing nothing else.

After last year's test, the teachers were really down, saying that the test didn't cover the topics they were told, and consequently the students were being tested on subjects they had never covered. The results were high failure rates, and now the scores required for passing are being lowered.

[DeFault User]

Most of the problems do require some reasoning ability. If teachers are indeed teaching the test, I certainly hope that the reasoning process is being taught.

My wife gets all kinds in her college classes. Some students have so much trouble learning because they have never had to reason. Even the simplest concepts are virtually impossible for them. Stating that A=B and B=C; therefore, A=C, is virtually quantum physics for some of these kids.

[Doe Eyes]

I just took the 10th grade science test. I'm glad the discussion isn't about how easy the tests are. I'd feel really stupid.

[Amore]

I've been giving the FCATs a lot of thought lately. I believe in their purpose, & I think they do a lot of good. Unfortunately, like anything in the world, they are not perfect. It seems to me that the children who get shorted under this system are the smart kids from 2 parent families who care about their kids and work with their kids on their education. They don't need the heavy emphasis on the basics. And those kids are getting shorted in their education on other things like social studies, history, all the subjects that are not on the test.

It is those underachievers already mentioned in this thread who come from dismal homes who are being helped by this. Under the previous system, those kids were passed on through without ever learning the basics of reading and writing. And the funny thing is that the very children who are being helped by this new system are those who have parents who vote party-line democratic.

[Bob J]

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[Future Snake Eater]

It's good to see this stuff. Truthfully, though, I'm not too surprised. I was homeschooled for the majority of my grade-school life, except for a brief stint in four separate public schools in fourth grade. Alabama and Tennessee were absolute cakewalks, California was OK (loved the scheduled recess times, though), but Florida...Florida was by far the most difficult public school I ever went to. Loads of homework in math and social studies. They take it pretty seriously over there, I can truly attest to that.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Pinging this to myself for tomorrow :)

Thanks Summer.

[Kj4real]

i am a tenth grade student in Florida and i think that the scores should be a reference not a passing decision my Little sister in 3rd grade was held back she became severely depressed. i think that i did well on the fcat today the first day of testing but theres math so any just email me at kjkj1397@go.com for a reference that test is super stress full:(