Dear Parents, below you will find helpful information I've put together to help you and your child prepare for the FCAT. IMPORTANT DATES. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! FCAT DATES: Reading SSS: Reading SSS: Math SSS: FCAT Myths vs. Facts The following are the Florida Sunshine State Standards Benchmarks that your child will be tested on. We are currently working on each strategy in our classroom. READING: This section of the FCAT focuses on four areas: Words & Phrases in Context, Main Idea, Plot & Purpose, Comparisons & Cause/Effect, Reference & Research. Click here for more information on each benchmark. Words & Phrases in Context Main Idea, Plot & Purpose Comparisons & Cause & Effect Reference & Research meaning of words in context word analysis main idea supporting details chronological order authors purpose in a simple text plot development & conflict resolution use of comparison & contrast cause & effect relationships similarities & differences among characters, settings, events organization & interpretation of information http://www.fcatexplorer.com/parent/3gr/en/grade_standards.asp Benchmarks: L.A.A.1.2.3 Summary: This benchmark focuses on the student's vocabulary, as it relates to finding the meaning of unknown words and understanding word relationships. Benchmark: The student uses simple strategies to determine meaning and increase vocabulary for reading, including the use of prefixes, suffixes, root words, multiple meanings, antonyms, synonyms, and word relationships. L.A.A. 2.2.1 Summary: This benchmark focuses on the student's ability to understand the main idea and the details that support that idea. In addition, the benchmark includes the student's ability to understand the order of events in a text. Benchmark: The student reads text and determines the main idea or essential message, identifies relevant supporting details and facts, and arranges events in chronological order. L.A.A. 2.2.2 Summary: This benchmark focuses on the student's ability to understand why an author writes a text (for example, to inform, to tell a story, to explain). Benchmark: The student identifies the author's purpose in a simple text. L.A.A. 2.2.7 Summary: This benchmark focuses on the student's ability to recognize when an author compares or contrasts things in a text. The benchmark expects that students will be able to recognize differences or similarities and explain how things are different or similar. Benchmark: The student recognizes the use of comparison and contrast in a text. L.A.A. 2.2.8 Summary: This benchmark focuses on the student's ability to find information in a text for a variety of purposes. The student might be asked to locate information in the text, a map, chart, or photo, or gather information for a research project. Benchmark: The student selects and uses a variety of appropriate reference materials, including multiple presentations of information such as maps, charts, and photos, to gather information for research projects. L.A.E. 1.2.2 Summary: This benchmark focuses on the student's ability to understand how a story line unfolds or develops in a narrative. This benchmark also focuses on the student's ability to understand how conflicts in the story are resolved. In addition, the student may be asked to make inferences (informed guesses) or draw conclusions about a story. Benchmark: The student understands the development of plot and how conflicts are resolved. L.A.E. 1.2.3 Summary: This benchmark focuses on the student's ability to find similarities and differences between the characters, settings, and events of a story. The student may be asked to recognize when a character changes (or stays the same) over the course of a story. Benchmark: The student knows the similarities and differences among the characters, settings, and events presented in various texts. L.A.E. 2.2.1 Summary: This benchmark focuses on the student's ability to see cause and effect relationships in stories and articles. Students may be asked to find causes or effects in fiction (stories), non-fiction (essays), poetry, or plays. Benchmark: The student recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts. MATH: This section of the FCAT covers five content areas: Number Sense, Measurement, Geometry, Algebra, Data Analysis. Number Sense Measurement Geometry Algebra Data Analysis identifies , , x, ÷ & knows what they do determines estimates knows how numbers are represented & used recognizes measurements & units of measure compares, contrasts, & converts measurements describes, draws, identifies, & analyzes two- & three-dimensional shapes visualizes and illustrates changes in shape uses coordinate geometry describes, analyzes, & generalizes patterns, relations, & functions writes and uses expressions, equations, inequalities, graphs, & formulas organizes, interprets, & analyzes data identifies patterns & makes predictions, inferences, & valid conclusions uses probability & statistics Additional FCAT Information: FCAT WRITING: The FCAT writing assessment at Grades 4, 8, and 10 has been expanded to include multiple-choice questions. To reflect this addition, the new writing assessment is called FCAT Writing. The essay component, which requires students to write a response to an assigned topic, is unchanged. Students in Grades 4, 8, and 10 will participate in a field test which is comprised of multiple-choice questions. Students will not receive scores for the field test portion of FCAT Writing. Each student will receive a score for the essay portion. The following are the two forms of writing prompts the students will have to be prepared to respond to. The students will have 45 minutes to read the prompt and decide if it is a Narrative or Expository prompt, plan (brainstorm), and respond. The student will be scored on Focus, Organization, Support, and Convections. FOCUS ORGANIZATION SUPPORT CONVECTIONS Demonstrates a main idea or theme & stays on topic. Follows a plan that includes an introduction, effective transitional devices, and a conclusion. Includes use of specific details & precise word choice to explain, clarify, or define meaning. Demonstrates knowledge of the basic skills of punctuation, capitalization, spelling, usage, & sentence structure. FCAT Writing Rubric Narrative: Asks the student to write a story. Example: Everyone has done something special that he or she will remember. Think about a time you did something special that you will always remember. Now write a story about a time you did something special that you will always remember. Expository: Asks the student to explain something or give reasons why. Example: Weekends are great. Explain what you like to do on weekends and why? The following are helpful websites: http://www.firn.edu/doe/sas/fcat/aboutfcat/english/ http://www.firn.edu/doe/sas/fcat/aboutfcat/spanish/ http://www.firn.edu/doe/sas/fcat/fcatit02.htm Fact Monster FCAT Explorer About the FCAT Facing the FCAT FCAT Sample Tests FCAT Reports