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FCAT Writes PDF Print E-mail
Education - Public School

FCAT Writes

Along with the standard FCAT test, Florida public school students  in grades 4, 8, and 10 must take the FCAT Writes.  FCAT Writes, or FCAT Writing test measures the students writing ability.  The FCAT Writes was originally called the Florida Writes.  Over the years the test has changed its name and its format.  Originally students were given a prompt and allowed 45 minutes to respond to the writing prompt.   Officials later changed to test to include a multiple choice section.  The multiple choice section was later eliminated from the FCAT Writes and then it went back to its original format. 

Format of FCAT Writes

During the 45 minute time test student must respond to the writing prompt while still including four basic elements in their essay. These four key elements of the FCAT Writes are focus, organization, support, and conventions.    Focus deals with how well the student stays on the topic and does not stray from the main idea of the paper.   Organization relates to how clearly the student has developed a beginning, middle and end.  Another important part of the organization of the paper is the transition.   Support is how well the student supports or gives detail to the main idea of the essay.  Convention relates the grammar: sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation.

More FCAT Writes Information

You can also get more detailed information about the FCAT Writes from the Florida Department of Education’s web site.     The web site gives a description of each of the scores that children can receive on their FCAT Writes test.  Students are giving a score from 0-6 based on how well they have written there paper.

Preparing for the FCAT Writes

Some ways to prepare your child for writing is to have you child read and write daily.   Students do prepare for the FCAT Writes at school, but learning does not have to end once they are home from school.  You can have you child read a chapter from a book each day and also write a paragraph each day.  Like anything else, it is that makes a student become proficient in a certain area.  To help your child become good writers you should have them practice their writing.
 
Florida Virtual Academy PDF Print E-mail
Education - Public School

Florida Virtual Academy is a program designed to provide education to students from Kindergarten thru 8th grade. Students can learn on the road, at home, at public libraries, or anywhere that the Internet is available. Lessons utilize offline tools and physical hands-on materials, while daily lessons, one-on-one teacher interaction, and attendance are conducted online.

In the Florida Virtual Academy program, each student regularly interacts with state-certified instructors. Depending upon the grade level, the student may be connect with one to six different teachers. Communication is conducted on a regular basis through scheduled online meetings, telephone, email, and letter correspondence. Each family is provided a large amount of learning resources, including hands-on tools, videos, CDs, and a wide assortment of textbooks. These instructional materials work in cooperation with the interactive elements of the Florida Virtual Academy program, thereby ensuring that each student is awarded a level of instruction that, in many cases, cannot be matched in the public school system.

An extensive school support system is also provided to both students and parents. While it is expected that a responsible adult, parent, or legal guardian will serve as the primary learning facilitator for the child, it is recognized that in many cases additional assistance is needed. Unlike the traditional homeschool setting, where parents are totally responsible for providing all curricular instruction, the Florida Virtual Academy provides state trained and certified instructors, all of whom specializes in his or her subject area. Likewise, the pace and schedule of instruction can be modified to meet the needs of each student, while at the same time progress can be easily tracked. Finally, monthly student field trips, activities, and learning opportunities are provided, thereby allowing the students and parents to remain in regular contact.

The Florida Virtual Academy uses an individualized education curriculum, which focuses on how the mind of a child works as well as decades of research in education. Children all encouraged to find their own learning pace and style, rather than attempting to change themselves to meet the rigorous requirements of the traditional public school setting.

The Florida Virtual Academy is a unique organization, bringing together the best of the public school system with individualized learning plans. As an online accredited public school, the programs provide state testing and test preparation, administrative support, structure, oversight, and academic accountability.
 
2007 Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced PDF Print E-mail
Education - Public School

TALLAHASSEE — Education Commissioner John L. Winn today announced the five finalists for the 2007 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year. The finalists were selected from district winners across the state and represent more than 180,000 Florida educators. Each finalist was selected on the basis of superior ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching, and outstanding school and community service.

"There is no greater honor than recognizing those who change the course of young lives," said Commissioner Winn. "These finalists represent our state's finest teachers and we are grateful for their commitment and dedication to ensuring each child reaches their potential."

Each finalist was surprised with a $5,000 check from Macy's and a $500 Macy's gift card at presentations made at his or her school. In addition, Macy's also presented $1,000 to each of the finalists' respective schools to be used toward educational programs. For the 18th consecutive year, Macy's has contributed $100,000 toward honoring Florida's finest teachers through the Teacher of the Year Program.

"At Macy's, we feel teachers are our state's greatest human resource. That's one reason why we're proud of our long-standing commitment to education in Florida," said Julie Greiner, chairman and CEO, Macy's Florida. "The Teacher of the Year program gives us the opportunity to honor the best in the state as well as motivate teachers to strive for excellence in their own communities."

The five finalists are:

  • Melissa Brinson, a seventh grade science teacher at Suwannee Middle School in Suwannee County.
  • Lynn A. Carrier, a third grade inclusion teacher at Gulfstream Elementary School in Miami-Dade County.
  • Conney Dahn, a ninth through 12th grade exceptional education teacher at Jensen Beach High School in Martin County.
  • Margaret Jan Graham, a sixth grade language arts teacher at Cobb Middle School in Leon County.
  • Cathy Hardesty, an eighth grade math and science teacher at Hill-Gustat Middle School in Highlands County.

The remaining district winners each will receive $750 from Macy's, a $100 Macy's gift card plus $250 for programs at their respective schools. In addition, the finalists' names, photos and schools will be displayed in Macy's stores May through August.

The 2007 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year will be named Wednesday, July 12, during a ceremony honoring Florida's teachers at Hard Rock Live! at Universal Studios CityWalk, Orlando. The winning teacher will receive a total cash prize of $10,000 from Macy's, a customized trophy and an all-expense paid trip to New York City for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. In addition, he/she will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for education, touring the state to spread the word about educational opportunities and challenges in the Sunshine State.

May 9, 2006

Contact: Cathy Schroeder
(850) 245-0413
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Just Read, Florida! K-12 Recommended Summer Reading List PDF Print E-mail
Education - Public School

(May 15, 2006)TALLAHASSEE — Commissioner John L. Winn today urged Florida families to share the gift of reading during the summer break by visiting the Just Read, Families! website for a list of recommended books. Research indicates that children who do not continue to read while on vacation risk losing any progress made during the school year.

"Florida leads the nation in rising student achievement, showing our focus on reading is working," said Commissioner Winn. "By reading together as a family, parents will help children to continue to make progress. This reading list provides excellent suggestions to bolster a child's love of reading and enrich those long summer days and nights."

The Just Read, Families! suggested reading list can be found at www.justreadfamilies.org. The site offers parents the tools they need to nurture a reading-friendly environment at home during the break. Resources include links to county and municipal public libraries, tips for parents on reading with children and a list of recommended books for each grade level.

Just Read, Florida! makes reading a priority in Florida's public schools and among the community groups and volunteer organizations that support them. It is based on the latest reading research, which includes emphasis on phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. For more information about Just Read, Florida! visit www.justreadflorida.com.

Contact

Cathy Schroeder
(850) 245-0413
DOEPressOffice at fldoe.org

 
Florida's 10th Grade FCAT PDF Print E-mail
Education - Public School

To say that the 10th grade FCAT is important to any Florida high school student would be an understatement. This tests along with other factors, determines if a child receives a high school diploma. Several students throughout the life of the FCAT have been denied the high school diploma because their 10th grade FCAT scores were too low.

Florida schools do allow high school students, who have not passed the 10th grade FCAT, to take the FCAT multiple times throughout high school until it is finally passed. Those that have already completed all their classes as seniors can continue taking the FCAT.

Additionally, there are FCAT preparation classes that high school students in Florida can take to help them pass the 10th grade FCAT. Students can take these classes as an elective during the day or go to night school and take these FCAT prep classes. Of course, the availability of these classes may vary by school district and high school.

In addition to the classes s, some school do offer free FCAT tutoring afterschool and on Saturdays. To find out more information first contact your child's school and then the school district to find out what FCAT resources are available.

The Florida Department of Education posts sample FCAT tests that students can use to practice.

Alternatives are available for seniors that have not passed their 10th grade FCAT test. Seniors can still receive a high school diploma if they receive a minimum score on their SAT or ACT test.