FCAT Testing Faces More Budget Cuts

The Florida Department of Education announced more cost cutting measures for the state assessment test, including using just one reader to score fourth- and eight-grade writing tests.

In a memo to school district superintendents, State Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith said, "as you are aware, all aspects of education are facing budget reductions and the statewide assessment program is no different."

The previously announced cuts for 2008-09 are: the elimination of the FCAT NRT (Norm Referenced Test) and the FCAT Parent Network and the ending of the summer FCAT retake opportunity effective this year.

The NRT was used for nationwide student achievement comparisons. The parent network offered parents an early opportunity to view the test results of their child's FCAT scores online. Printed reports for students/parents will continue to be provided.

"Although no changes are being made to the FCAT writing, reading and mathematics tests themselves, we can no longer afford to have every response scored by two readers," according to the FDOE memo.

All responses to reading and math performance tasks at grades four, five, eight and 10, and writing essays at grades four and eight, will be scored by one reader. All 10th-grade essays will continue to be scored by two readers.

Also, some FCAT support materials are being eliminated.

Except for sample test materials and test administration manuals, all previously published support materials will be eliminated, including Keys to FCAT, Lessons Learned, Understanding FCAT Reports and Florida Reads!, Writes!, Solves! And Inquires!

Because sample test materials are intended to provide students with information about the types of questions on the test prior to taking it, they will still be produced and used, according to the FDOE.

Also, plans for end-of course exams are being finalized.

Florida will administer exams in algebra I in 2010-11, biology beginning in 2011-12 and American history beginning in 2012-13.

The timeline and studies for additional end-of-course exams are still under development, but these exams will likely be a combination of assessments developed in Florida, existing published exams purchased from vendors and existing exams administered through cooperative agreements with other organizations.

Smith said "there is a strong commitment by the Florida Legislature and the Department of Education to maintain the kind of quality testing and accountability system that has produced national achievement success for the children of Florida.

"Even though we have made adjustments to the testing program and may need to make future adjustments, you can be assured that the quality of the assessment system will not be compromised."