Questions and Answers about the FCAT

What is the FCAT? The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test^® (FCAT) is part of Florida’s overall plan to increase student achievement by implementing higher standards. The FCAT is administered to students in Grades 3-11.  The 3rd grade FCAT consists of criterion-referenced tests (CRT) in reading and mathematics which measure student progress toward meeting the Sunshine State Standards (SSS) benchmarks.

What is the Purpose of the FCAT?  The purpose of the statewide assessments is to gather information of two kinds: 1) Parents, students, and teachers need FCAT data to provide information about student mastery of skills.  2) The public needs FCAT data to understand the “educational health” of students and to hold schools and districts accountable for progress.

What is measured by the FCAT? The FCAT measures student knowledge and understanding of reading, writing, science, and mathematics content as described in the Sunshine State Standards. There is a direct connection between the Sunshine State Standards and the questions on the FCAT.

What are the Sunshine State Standards?  The Standards are skills and competencies that Florida students should be able to learn from an early age, as defined by practicing classroom teachers, educational specialists, business people, and concerned citizens from Florida

When do students take the FCAT?   3rd graders will take the Reading FCAT on March 9th & 10th 2010 and the Mathematics FCAT on March 11, 2010. 
Go to http://info.fldoe.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-5063/fcatscheduleb.pdf to see a complete schedule of all assessments for all grades.

FCAT Resources