FCAT Reading & Writing Grade 10

Succeeding on the FCAT Reading and Writing1, Grade 10 About This Book This book will provide you with an accurate and complete representation of the Reading and Writing1 sections of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Inside you will find reviews that are designed to provide you with the information and strategies needed to do well on the FCAT. Four practice tests (two reading and two writing) are provided, all of which are based on the official FCAT. The practice tests contain every type of question that you can expect to encounter on the FCAT Reading and Writing1 tests. Following each test, you will find an answer key with detailed explana-tions designed to help you master the test material. About the Test Who Takes the Test and What Is It Used For? The FCAT is given to public school students throughout Florida to measure achievement in the skills and competencies outlined in the Sunshine State Standards. The FCAT consists of four sections: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Science. FCAT Reading is given to students in Grades 3 through 10. FCAT Writing1 is administered to students in Grades 4, 8, and 10. Students must pass the read-ing portion of the tenth-grade FCAT in order to receive a high school diploma. When and Where Is the Test Given? FCAT Writing1 is administered to students in Florida public schools in February. FCAT Reading is administered to students in March. Students who need to retake the reading portion of the Grade 10 FCAT may do so in June, October, and March during their eleventh- and twelfth-grade years. Is There a Registration Fee? No. Because all Florida public high school students are required to take the FCAT and pass the test in order to receive a high school diploma, no fee is required. Test Accommodations and Special Situations Every effort is made to provide a level playing field for students with disabilities taking the FCAT and seeking a standard high school diploma. Special accommodations are permitted for students who: --have been assigned to a special program, according to State Board Rule 6A-6.0331, FAC, and --have a current Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Federal law requires the inclusion of exceptional education students in all regular assessment programs. The school, district, and state FCAT score averages represent all students taking the test, including students with disabilities. In addition, students with limited English proficiency (LEP) are expected to take the FCAT. LEP students may be exempt from participating in the statewide assessment program: --if the student has been receiving services in an approved district LEP plan for one year or less, and --if the student's LEP committee determines that the FCAT is not appropriate. LEP students may take the FCAT using accommodations appropriate for the particular need of the student. It is the responsibility of local school educators to work with students and parents to identify the allowable testing accommodations. Additional Information and Support Additional resources to help you prepare to take the FCAT include: --the official FCAT website at http://firn.edu/doe/sas/fcat.htm --the Florida Department of Education website at http://www.fldoe.org/ How to Use This Book What Do I Study First? Read over the review sections and the suggestions for test-taking. Studying the review sections thor-oughly will reinforce the basic skills you need to do well on the test. Be sure to take the practice tests to become familiar with the format and procedures involved with taking the actual FCAT. When Should I Start Studying? It is never too early to start studying for the FCAT. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time needed to learn the test material. The sooner you learn the format of the exam, the more timeResearch and Education Association Staff is the author of 'FCAT Reading & Writing Grade 10' with ISBN 9780738601878 and ISBN 073860187X.