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School Zone

Chalk Board

FCAT Preparation

This month, students will take their Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) reading, mathematics and science tests. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about the FCAT:

What is the purpose of the FCAT? The FCAT measures student achievement of selected benchmarks in mathematics, reading, science and writing from the Sunshine State Standards (skills and competencies that Florida students should be able to learn from an early age). The FCAT also includes norm-referenced tests in reading and mathematics, designed to permit comparisons between the performance of Florida students and the performance of students throughout the country.

Who takes the FCAT and why? All public school students are required to take the FCAT in the following areas: writing in grades 4, 8 and 10; reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 10; and science in grades 5, 8 and 11.

How do students prepare for the FCAT? Teachers help students prepare for the FCAT throughout the school year. Students can also prepare for the FCAT at home, and parents are encouraged to help their students get ready for these important tests.

Here are additional resources to help prepare for the FCAT:

• Florida Department of Education Sample Tests
• FCAT Mentor

A complete schedule of FCAT testing is available here.

*Last Chance - DASOTA's Annual Writing Festival

Douglas Anderson will host its annual Writers' Festival at the Main Library on March 15, 2008. This all-day celebration of writing will include hands-on workshops and an evening reading by former poet Laureate Billy Collins.

Because of the generous support of parents and community sponsors, costs have been reduced in an effort to have more students attend. Student registration is $30 (includes lunch and attendance at the evening reading), and teachers who bring at least five students are admitted free.

For more information and registration forms, visit www.dawritersfest.com or contact Jackie Jones at jonesj5@duvalschools.org or at (904) 346-5620 extension 176.

Teaching Ambassador Fellowship Positions

Secretary Spellings has announced the creation of Teaching Ambassador Fellowship positions for currently practicing, K-12 public school teachers at the U.S. Department of Education for the 2008-2009 school year. These positions will offer highly motivated, innovative teachers the opportunity to contribute their knowledge and experience to the national dialogue on public education. The fellowship includes two kinds of opportunities for teachers across the U.S. Up to 20 Classroom Fellows will remain at their schools under their regular teaching contracts and will be paid to participate in additional department discussions and projects throughout the school year on a part-time basis. Up to five Washington Fellows will be chosen to become full-time, paid federal employees in Washington, D.C. for the school year, working on education programs and participating in policy discussions.

Teaching Ambassador Fellows will be selected based on their record of leadership, impact on student achievement, and potential for contribution to the field. Highly qualified K-12 public school teachers who have spent at least three years in the classroom are eligible to apply. Teachers must be currently practicing in and employed by a public school district to be eligible. To ensure collaboration at the school and district levels, teacher applicants must have the full support of their school principals.

Applications are due by April 7, 2008. Teaching Ambassador Fellows will be named by early summer for the 2008-2009 school year.

For more information, visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/teacherfellowship.

Extended Hours

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Florida has extended their Customer Service hours; their new hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. BCBS’ customer service team can be reached at 1.800.352.2583

Fringe Benefits Management Company hours have also been extended; their new hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fringe Benefit Management Company’s customer service team can be reached at 1.800.342.8017.