Reading and Math Item Specifications Released
The 2009 Reading and Mathematics Item Specifications have been released and are available on the DOE website (fcat.fldoe.org). These item specifications are based on the newly revised standards for Reading and Mathematics.
The Item Specifications provide guidelines for producing items based on the Sunshine State Standards. These guidelines include item types, content limits, and sample items. The 2009 Item Specifications will enable the revision of FCAT Explorer and FOCUS content based on the new Sunshine State Standards. Beginning with the 6th grade reading program, these revisions will be made available as they are completed.
FCAT Explorer Administrative Desk Updates
At the end of December, new and improved versions of the FCAT Explorer Teacher's Desk, School Administrator's Desk, and District Administrator's Desk were launched. The new administrator's desks offer a more user-friendly interface, improved navigation, and a new graphic design. New functionality allows student-level reports for school administrators.
All the features teachers and administrators love are still offered, including reports, class and student management tools, and resources. For those who prefer the old interface, a link to use the old site is available through the end of the school year.
We would love to have your feedback. Click here to go to the Contact Us page, where you can send us your comments or suggestions.
New Science Content for FOCUS
FOCUS (http://focus.florida-achieves.com) now includes mini-assessments for all annually assessed benchmarks tested on the science FCAT for grades 5, 7, 8, and 11.
Each mini-assessment offers a quick, five-question assessment on a particular benchmark. In addition, FOCUS offers a retest option for each benchmark. These assessments are designed to give teachers an instructionally sound tool for analyzing student strengths and weaknesses.
Science content for additional grades will be added as it becomes available. For more information about Florida's Continuous Improvement Model (CIM) and the role of mini-assessments, see the overview of Florida's CIM on the FOCUS home page.
Teacher Training Available
The FCAT Explorer/FOCUS Support Services Team is available to provide training to teachers and staff across the state. Support Services Staff can train any teacher, media specialist, school administrator, or other school staff in using the FCAT Explorer and FOCUS Teacher's Desk features.
For more information, or to set up a training session, call 888-750-3228.
FCAT Explorer and FOCUS Newsletter
The FCAT Explorer/FOCUS Support newsletter is delivered to all public school teachers in Florida via e-mail. The newsletter is designed to provide teachers and administrators with the latest information about these two free resources from the Department of Education. If you would like to receive the newsletter and have not yet, please send an e-mail to newsletter@fcatexplorer.com and type Subscribe in the subject line of the e-mail.
To see previous issues of the newsletter, click on one of the links below:
ISSUE 1, FALL 2006
ISSUE 2, WINTER 2007
ISSUE 3, SPRING 2007
ISSUE 4, SUMMER 2007
ISSUE 5, FALL 2007
ISSUE 6, WINTER 2008
ISSUE 7, SPRING 2008
ISSUE 8, FALL 2008
ISSUE 9, WINTER 2009
ISSUE 10, SPRING 2009
FCAT Explorer and Adobe Flash
Are you up to date?
Currently, most FCAT Explorer programs will run under Adobe Flash Player 6.0. However, it is a good idea to update the Flash Player program on your computer, especially if you want to take advantage of the new features planned for FCAT Explorer.
In June 2008, we launched Science Station: 5th Grade Benchmarks. Science Station and other programs launched in the new school year will run under Adobe Flash Player 7.0.
Please note: The current Flash Player version is 10.0, so if you've updated since October 2008, your Flash player will support all FCAT Explorer programs.
You can download Adobe Flash Player at no cost from the Adobe site. Click here to download Adobe Flash Player.
If you have problems installing the new Flash Player, you can find help from Adobe at this site: http://www.adobe.com/support/flashplayer/.
Best Practice Guidelines Offer Tips for Effective Use
FCAT Explorer Support Services team members have developed a set of Best Practice Guidelines to help you use FCAT Explorer practice programs as effectively as possible. The guidelines offer tips and suggestions in the following areas:
- Starting a New School Year
- Getting Your Students Started
- Signing On
- Exploring Your Teacher?s Desk
- Monitoring Student Progress
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- Getting Familiar with the Student Site
- Helping Students Succeed
- Exploring in the Classroom
- Encouraging After-School Use
- Getting Technical Assistance
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To access the guidelines, click the link at the end of this article. On subsequent visits, you can click Educator Resources on the home page—you'll find the FCAT Explorer Best Practice Guidelines link under the School Resources column.
Support Services team members developed the FCAT Explorer Best Practice Guidelines based on discussions and interactions with public school teachers throughout Florida. If you have additional ideas or suggestions to offer, click CONTACT US from the FCAT Explorer home page or your FCAT Explorer Teacher's Desk. You can also give your ideas to a Support Services team member by calling 888.750.3228 toll-free.
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FCAT Explorer Best Practice Guidelines will be updated as Support Services team members collect new ideas and insights from you and other teachers, so check it out from time to time!
