FSA & EOC Parent Night

Norman S. Edelcup/ Sunny Isles Beach K-82014-2015

What FSA Subject Area Test will my child take?

Reading Writing Math Science

3

4

5

6- 7

8

FSA English Language Arts (Not Including the Writing Component)

*All sessions administered over two days.

Grade/ Subject Proposed Time Number of Sessions*

Computer-Based in 2015?

3 160 minutes 2 No

4 160 minutes 2 No

5 160 minutes 2 Yes

6 170 minutes 2 Yes

7 170 minutes 2 Yes

8 170 minutes 2 Yes

9 180 minutes 2 Yes

10 180 minutes 2 Yes

11 180 minutes 2 Yes

When is the FSA and EOC?

March 9, 2015

(FSA CB Writing)

April 13, 2015

(FCAT Science)

April 21-22, 2015

(FSA Reading- 2 day session)

May 1 and 4, 2015

(FSA Math- 2 day session)

May 5-6, 2015

(EOC: Algebra- 2 day session)

May 7-8, 2015

(EOC: Geometry- 2 day session)

FCAT Science ContentCategories

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

29%

EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE

29%

LIFE SCIENCE25%

NATURE OF SCIENCE

17%

• describes matter & its properties

• identifies atoms, elements, mixtures, & compounds

• explains energy, its forms & interaction with matter

• explains motion & identifies force

• explains weather systems

• recognizes rocks & minerals

• describes the solar system & universe

• explains Earth’s changes over time

• identifies & explains plants, animals, & life processes

• recognizes the importance of conservation of natural resources

• describes the interactions of plants, animals, & the environment

• applies scientific approaches to problem solving

• recognizes patterns & systems within nature

• recognizes the impact of technology on society

FCAT Science• The Science FCAT is comprehensive and

covers all the topics taught in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science.

• It will determine placement in high school classes.

• We offer a free workshop for students to practice and review for FCAT science every Thursday from 3:15-4:15 in Room 516.

What happens if students do not pass the EOC?

If a student does not pass the EOC, he or she will not receive credit for the course.

Florida Standards information site http://fsassessments.org/

9

Transition from FCAT to FSA Assessments

Assessments in 2012-13, and 2013-14

Assessments in 2014-15

FCAT 2.0 Reading Grades 3 to 10 FSA English Language Arts Grades 3 to 11

FCAT 2.0 Writing Grades 4, 8, 10 FSA English Language Arts Writing Component Grades 4 to 11

FCAT 2.0 Mathematics Grades 3 to 8

FSA Mathematics Grades 3 to 8

KEY SHIFTS The LAFS standards address KEY SHIFTS in English

Language Arts: Regular practice with complex texts and their

academic language Reading, writing, and speaking grounded in evidence

from texts, both literary and informational Building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction

NOTE: The Language Arts Florida Standards are an adoption of the Common Core Standards

For the full standards, visit: http://www.flstandards.org/

and click on Parents & Families

Changes in Student Expectations

The Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) developed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) demand students…

maintain an increased sense of accountability toward their own learning

develop a concept beyond an opinion and move to “support and evidence”

think in a more conceptual, analytical and global manner

utilize higher-order, critical thinking skills

shift from mere memorization of terms to a deep understanding of meaning

transfer skills to new experiences

operate in a more student-centered environment with built in peer collaboration11

Passage Example English Language Arts FSA

Example for ELA FSA

Example Question for ELA FSA

Example Question for ELA FSA

Example Question for ELA FSA

ELA Writing Assessment

• The FSA ELA has a Text-Based Writing Component that is administered separately from the rest of the FSA ELA

• March 9, 2015

• Reported as part of the ELA score.

• It is administered earlier to allow time for hand scoring.

New FSA Writing New FSA Writing ComponentComponent

The FSA ELA includes the Text-Based Writing Component, administered separately from the rest of FSA ELA to allow time for hand scoring; will be reported as part of a single ELA score.

Writing component will be computer based for 8th grade.

Students will have up to 120 minutes to complete the essay.

Students will be faced with either an argumentative or informative/explanatory prompt

MS FSA Writing

Test specifications: students will receive 2-4 texts with a combined word count of 1000-1600 words.

Practice Tests

For more information on FSA Assessments, please visit

http://fsassessments.org http://www.fldoe.org/accountability/

assessments/k-12-student-assessment/fsa.stml

http://www.fsassessments.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/FL_PT_QuickGuide_10-8-142.pdf

http://fsassessments.org/training-tests

How can parents help?

Make sure your child attends school regularly and is on time. This is extremely important, especially during testing days.

Stress the importance and relevance of reading in their daily lives (present and future)

Enroll your child in after-school tutoring if available

Meet with your child’s teacher to discuss his or her progress.

Make sure that your child is well rested on school days, especially on test days.

Students should…

Read each question carefully Read each answer completely- the first part of

the answer might be correct, but not the end of the answer

Know there is no penalty for guessing. Therefore, it is best to try to answer all questions

Find the answer to the question in the passage. Look for the answer in the MC responses (90% chance of getting it right)

Make sure your answer is based on information in the passage and not on something you read elsewhere or opinions

Understand feelings and emotions

Students should…

Quickly look over the entire test before starting.

Read the directions carefully. Watch the clock; budget time

carefully. Don’t try to finish first. Mark difficult questions and come

back to them later. Proofread answers before turning in

test.

Thank you for your continued

dedication in your child’s education!