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Schools Strive To Avoid FCAT Panic

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By SHERRI LONON

In The Loop

Published: March 7, 2009

With the reading, math and science portions of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test looming, many students and parents are likely to feel a little stressed out.

While this is normal, Madeline Barbery, the Pasco County School District's supervisor of research and evaluation, said there's nothing to panic about.

"It's important to help them relax," she said.

Barbery recommends parents and students prepare for testing by making sure plenty of rest is obtained the night before the exams and that a good breakfast is eaten on the mornings the FCAT will be given.

For students who want a little brushing up before the test, she recommends visiting sites like http://fcatexplorer.com. The Florida Department of Education Web site is designed to help get students accustomed to the format of the test and the kind of questions to expect. Local schools can give students user names and passwords for the site.

Beyond familiarizing themselves with the testing format, students can rest assured in the knowledge that everything on the FCAT has been discussed in class, she said.

"Just have them practice and read the information carefully," she said. "Panic is not going to help."

Anna Falcon, assistant principal at Pine View Middle School, agrees.

"When kids are taking the FCAT, it is a compilation of what they've learned over the years," she said. "It's not that they need to be stressed out over the assessment. We stress the importance to do their personal best."

For parents who want to encourage their children prior to testing, she offers this advice: "Let them know they've worked hard all year and let them know you know they'll do their personal best."

Falcon also points out that it is vital for students to show up on time the days of testing and to be prepared to do their best. To help out, teachers will go over the test format prior to the testing dates.

Students in grades three through 10 will take the reading and math portions of the FCAT between Tuesday and March 19, which includes makeup days. Students in grades five, eight and 11 also will take the science portion during this period.

For information about the FCAT, visit www.fldoe.org or www.fcatexplorer.com.

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