INSTRUCTION BEFORE THE
ASSESSMENT
CAO
March 6, 2012
Make Way for Reading
FCAT 2.0 Reading –
What Is Being Tested?
Spring 2012: FCAT Reading 2.0 tests in
grades 3-10 align with the 2007 NGSSS.
 Grade 11: FCAT Reading 2.0
 Grade 12: FCAT Reading which aligns with
the 1996 Sunshine State Standards

Specific Elementary Benchmark
Considerations
1.7.5: Text structures/organizational patterns
2.1.2: Character development, character
point of view, setting, plot development,
problem/resolution
 2.1.7: Descriptive language (e.g., mood,
imagery), figurative language (e.g., simile,
metaphor, personification)
 2.2.1:Text Features
 6.1.1: Locate, interpret, organize information,
text features


Specific Secondary Benchmark
Considerations




2.2.1: Text features and interaction with text
6.2.2: Validity and reliability of information
6.1.1: How text features aid the reader’s
understanding
2.1.2/2.1.5: How literary elements affect each
other
Use item specifications to see how the
FCAT might phrase questions per
benchmark.
Elementary Resources
Learning Village
Elementary
FY12 Reading
Grade Level
Scope
CAUTION
Available Resources for Secondary





Item Specifications
Sample tests (released by the DOE)
SIRS
Project Gutenberg (www.gutenberg.org)
CORE K-12
◦ Has sample items and benchmark-specific
assessments
◦ Provides computer based test practice

ePAT
Learning Village – Middle School
Learning Village – High School
On the high school landing page for both ELA
and reading, additional FCAT 2.0 prep lessons
have been added. These will address some of
the difficulties students had on the diagnostic
tests.
Reader and Task
Ten Guiding Principles
1. Make close reading and rereading of texts central to
lessons.
2. Provide scaffolding that does not preempt or
replace text.
3. Ask text dependent questions from a range of
question types.
4. Emphasize students’ supporting answers based upon
evidence from the text.
5. Provide extensive research and writing
opportunities (claims and evidence).
Reader and Task
Ten Guiding Principles
6. Offer regular opportunities for students to share
ideas, evidence, and research.
7. Offer systematic instruction in vocabulary.
8. Ensure wide reading from complex text that varies
in length.
9. Provide explicit instruction in applied grammar and
conventions.
10. Cultivate students’ independence.
Administrative Considerations
Capitalize on teachers’ strengths
 Utilize data to monitor progress

◦ Classroom Assessments
◦ Core K12
◦ Diagnostics
Focus on the curriculum and the
resources available in Learning Village
 Maintain a balance between instruction
& test prep

Contacts

Barbara Riemer, Manager
K-12 Literacy
357-1164 or PX 21164
barbara.riemer@palmbeachschools.org

Kimberly Stansell-Towe, K-5 Reading Program
Planner
963-3882 or PX 43882
kim.stansell@palmbeachschools.org

Diana Fedderman, 6-12 Literacy Program Planner
357-5989 or PX 25989
diana.yohe@palmbeachschools.org
Science Resources
Sound Instruction for FCAT 2.0 Science
and the Biology I EOC
Plan for Success
3rd and 4th Grade Tested Benchmarks
Review tested benchmarks taught in
3rd and 4th grades.
Plan for Success
6th and 7th Grade Tested Benchmarks
Review tested benchmarks taught in
6th and 7th grades.
Plan for Success
FCAT-Style Questions
FCAT
Explorer
Provide students with exposure to FCAT-style
questions (a few per day).
Plan for Success
FCAT-Style Questions
FCAT Explorer & Context-Dependent Sets
Plan for Success
FCAT-Style Questions
FCAT Explorer & Context-Dependent Sets
Plan for Success
FCAT-Style Questions
FOCUS MiniAssessments
Provide students with exposure to FCAT-style
questions (a few per day).
Plan for Success
FCAT-Style Questions
FCAT 2.0
Science
(Grade 8)
Sample Test
Provide students with exposure to FCAT-style
questions (a few per day).
Plan for Success
FCAT-Style Questions
Bellringers
Grade 8
Provide students with exposure to FCAT-style
questions and review previously taught concepts.
Plan for Success
Simulations & Virtual Labs
Utilize simulations and virtual labs to
reinforce science concepts.
Plan for Success
Simulations & Virtual Labs
Utilize simulations and virtual labs to
reinforce science concepts.
Plan for Success
Simulations & Virtual Labs
Utilize simulations and virtual labs to
reinforce science concepts.
Plan for Success
Simulations & Virtual Labs
Utilize simulations and virtual labs to reinforce
science concepts.
Plan for Success
Simulations & Virtual Labs
Utilize simulations and virtual labs to
reinforce science concepts.
Plan for Success
Scientific Vocabulary
Electronic Flashcards
Utilize scientific vocabulary on a daily basis to
reinforce vocabulary acquisition.
Learning Village Resources
Elementary Science – Grade 5
Content Training Materials
• Physical Science
• Earth/Space Science
• Life Science
Learning Village Resources
Elementary Science – Grade 5
Benchmark Review &
Enrichment Lessons
Learning Village Resources
Elementary Science – Grade 5
Winter Diagnostic
Response Table
Learning Village Resources
Grades 5 & 8
Other Resources
e2020 Virtual Tutor
http://teacher.education2020.com
Utilize e2020 Virtual Tutor to remediate
biology benchmarks.
Other Resources
e2020 Virtual Tutor
Utilize e2020 Virtual Tutor to remediate
biology benchmarks.
Contacts



Wendy Spielman King, Manager
K-12 Science and Social Studies
357-1152 or PX 21152
wendy.spielman@palmbeachschools.org
Chad Phillips, K-5 Science Program Planner
357-1132 or PX 21132
chad.phillips@palmbeachschools.org
Greg Goebel, 6-12 Science Program Planner
357-1128 or PX 21128
gregory.goebel@palmbeachschools.org
Getting Ready
for
Mathematics
Support Resources for Grades 3 – 8,
Algebra 1 EOC, and Geometry EOC
EDW – Using the Diamond Report for
Success
FCAT 2.0 Support Resources for
Mathematics Grades 3 – 5
Scroll
below the
calendar!
FCAT 2.0 Support Resources for
Mathematics Grades 3 – 5
Learning Village
Think Central
Think Central
Think Central
Scroll
down to go
through
resources!
Other Resources
Destination Math
This is the chart that correlates the benchmarks to the
Destination Math lessons, which is located on the Learning Village.
Learning Village
On each grade levels’
landing page, under the
calendar is a link to
the lesson correlation
for the Destination
Math lessons.
Primary Grades
Encourage teachers to teach the entire
curriculum without rushing for the FCAT
deadline.
 Stress teaching the strategies to the
students so they will be prepared for the
intermediate grades.
 Once the curriculum is completed, the
End-of-the-Year assessment should be
administered to determine the
benchmarks that need to be remediated.

FCAT 2.0 Support Resources for
Mathematics Grades 6 – 8
Each of the following resources are individualized for
each grade level.










Item Spec Sample Question Instructional PPTs
Benchmark Worksheets
Benchmark Worksheet Instructional PPTs
Reference Sheet Scavenger Hunt
NEW! Gridded Practice Worksheets
Gridded Response Photostory
NEW! 2012 Sample Test Materials
Destination Math Activities Correlation
NGSSS Practice Workbook
NEW! Spring Practice
How
to
Find:
Scroll down to access:
FCAT 2.0 Support Resources for
This includes the Benchmark Worksheets for
Mathematics Grades
6–8
every FCAT 2.0 tested benchmark and the
instructional PowerPoints for these worksheets.
Select Grade 6, 7, or 8
Algebra 1 EOC Support Resources
The following resources are available for each tested
benchmark in Algebra 1.
Item Spec Sample Question Instructional PPTs
Benchmark Worksheets #1
Benchmark Worksheet #1 Instructional PPTs
NEW! Benchmark Worksheets #2
Reference Sheet Scavenger Hunt
NEW! Everglades K-12 Algebra 1 Practice EOC
Assessments
◦ Formative Assessments 1, 2, and 3
 NEW! Spring Practice






How to Find:
Support Resources for the Algebra 1 EOC
Select either Algebra 1 Regular or
Algebra 1 Honors.
Geometry EOC Support Resources
The following resources are available for each tested
benchmark in Geometry.
Item Spec Sample Question Instructional PPTs
Benchmark Worksheets
Benchmark Worksheet Instructional PPTs
Reference Sheet Scavenger Hunt
NEW! Everglades K-12 Algebra 1 Practice EOC
Assessments
◦ Pretest & Posttest
◦ Formative Assessments 1, 2, and 3
 NEW! Spring Practice





How to Find:
Support Resources for the Geometry EOC
Select either Geometry Regular or
Geometry Honors.
FCAT Math Retake Support Resources
The following resources are available for FCAT Math Retake.











Retake FCAT Math Sample Questions
Diagnostic and Practice Tests
Gridded Response Practice
Reference Sheet Scavenger Hunt
DOE Sample and Released Tests
FCAT Retake Games
Testing Tips
Problem of the Day PPTs
Strand Remediation PPTs and Worksheets
Benchmark Focus Worksheets
Benchmark Focus Lessons
How
Find:to bottom of
Scrolltodown
High School
FY12 Math
Landing
Support
Resources
FCAT
Math Page
Retake
Contacts

Nancy Kinard, Manager
K-12 Mathematics, PE/Health, Arts Education
434-8250 or PX 48250
nancy.kinard@palmbeachschools.org

Michael Sabatino, K-5 Mathematics Program Planner
434-8049 or PX 48049
michael.sabatino@palmbeachschools.org

Diana Snider, 6-12 Mathematics Program Planner
357-5943 or PX 25943
diana.snider@palmbeachschools.org
EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA!
Spring Practice
Supplemental Tutorial Lessons

Individual Benchmark-Focused Lessons
available for:
◦ Elementary School
 Grades 3, 4, 5
◦ Middle School
 Grades 6, 7, 8
◦ High School
 Reading Grades 9,10
 FCAT Retake
 EOC
Supplemental Tutorial Lessons
Select either Middle
School for Grades 6 – 8
or High School for
Algebra 1, Geometry,
and FCAT Retake
Tutorial Lessons
Select the appropriate
Grade Level / Course.
Administrative Considerations


Give students the opportunity to get high
quality instruction from your best teachers.
Utilize data to monitor student progress.
◦ Classroom assessments
◦ Diagnostic results
◦ Core K12 – IBMs and MBAs


Teachers should continue to instruct
students using the curriculum in
mathematics, reading, and science - The Next
Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS).
Focus on the curriculum.