After a weekend filled with parades and deals at the fair, students will have to buckle down for an important writing test.
By ELISABETH DYER
Published February 6, 2004
TAMPA - Today is kids' day at the Florida State Fair, followed by Gasparilla on Saturday.
Then, for many students, it's back to the books and the first round of the FCAT tests.
On Tuesday, fourth-, eighth- and 10th-graders will write essays for the FCAT Writes. Each grade has two choices of topics. Last year's subjects ranged from what students like about their community to why they enjoy a particular game.
"We've been preparing since the first day of school," said Harriet Foundas, principal at West Shore Elementary. In September, staff met with parents of third-, fourth- and fifth-graders to explain the scoring and go over writing samples so that parents could coach their children.
At Coleman Middle School, students study FCAT skills in homeroom for 40 minutes, three days a week.
"I think that's really helped us be successful," principal Jerry Jackson said. Students' FCAT scores have translated into four years of A grades in a row for the school.
The Florida Department of Education offers parents last-minute tips for helping their children do their best:
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and has a healthy breakfast Tuesday morning.
- Don't schedule appointments during test days and make sure students get to school on time.
- Finally, offer children encouragement but don't over-emphasize test scores. Students can become anxious.
FCAT testing gets into full swing March 1-12 for grades 3 through 10. Tests will focus on reading, math and science.
