HOME > FCAT EXPLORER PROGRAMS > 10th GRADE READING > HOW TO USE READING TIMELINE

Before using FCAT Explorer, do a quick check to make sure your computer is ready. Click Technical Requirements to review the hardware and software requirements. Use your computer Help file, if necessary, to find the best display resolution settings and other information that will help you view FCAT Explorer.

For further assistance:

• Click Contact Us to send us a message, or
• Call for assistance toll free at 1-888-750-3228.

Five Easy Steps to Start Exploring!

Step One: Sign in and Select a Program
To begin using FCAT Explorer, your child must first enter his or her sign-in name and password. Your child's classroom teacher will assign these. (If the teacher has not yet done this, call the school's administrative office.) After successfully signing in, your child will see a Welcome page with links to Reading Timeline and the other FCAT Explorer programs.

Step Two: Complete Instructional Materials
After selecting Reading Timeline, first-time users of the program will begin by taking advantage of a new skills-based instructional feature designed to help teachers tailor student instruction. After completing these materials, students will be able to access the main menu for Reading Timeline.

Reading Timeline is divided into five different time periods that contain different reading passages and practice questions. To begin a passage, your child may select a time period from the main menu. A list of passages for that time period will then appear, and your child can select a passage. The passages do not have to be read in any particular order.

Step Three: Read the Passages and Complete the Practice Questions
Your child can now read the selected passage. Each passage consists of several pages of text. Your child may preview the practice questions for the passage to keep the questions in mind while reading.

After reading a passage, your child should complete the practice questions. When the questions for every passage have been completed, your child will have had comprehensive practice on all of the 10th Grade Reading Benchmarks tested on the FCAT.

The program keeps track of your child's progress on each set of practice questions. If your child has to sign out, the next time he or she chooses that passage, he or she will see the next question in the sequence.

Step Four: Review the Explorer's Report
Your child can see and print an Explorer's Report. The report shows how many practice questions have been attempted and what percentage have been answered correctly or incorrectly. To view this report, click "Explorer's Report" on the main menu page.

Step Five: Sign Out
When your child has finished using FCAT Explorer, close the Internet browser or click Exit to sign out.

For additional information about using FCAT Explorer, click Help while using the program or call for assistance toll free at 1-888-750-3228.