DCPS wants to make sure you have all the tools necessary to understand the new test and prepare for future success. Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals will explain the facts about FCAT 2.0 and take you through the ins and outs of this upgraded test. We will answer common questions about the test and explain how you can expect it to affect individual scores and school grades.

Letter from Florida Department of Education - 2012 School Grades

Third-Grade FCAT 2.0 Reading and Math Results

District Receives 2012 FCAT Writing and Reading Scores

State Board of Education Vote - FCAT 2.0 Writing

Message from the Superintendent

Why change to FCAT 2.0?

• FCAT 2.0 raises the grading scale for our students in an effort to match the national testing benchmark, causing a need for more students to show proficiency than in the old FCAT
• The change to FCAT 2.0 is meant to prepare students for the more rigorous assessments in 2014-15 based on the new common core standards
• The old FCAT had different grading expectations for elementary, middle and high school students

How will the change affect my student’s score and school grade?

• School grades are expected to decrease because of the change in grading scale; student’s FCAT scores are also expected to decrease
• The decrease in school grade and student FCAT score will not be a reflection of decreased performance. The decrease will simply be caused by the changed grading scale
• FCAT scores for students in grades 3-8 will be the most affected from the change to FCAT 2.0

What is the FCAT “cut score”?

• The cut score refers to the point at which the score changes from a level 1 to level 2, or a level 2 to level 3, etc.
• These points will be changed, raising the grading standards for students in grades 3-8