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Test Tools, Inc. recommends a five-step approach to using our simulation
software to best prepare for the FCAT:
1.
Orientation - Understand the format and style of the FCAT
2. Pre-Test - Identify individual strengths and weaknesses
3. Review - Learn about the Sunshine State Standards benchmarks
4. Assessment - Practice questions from individual benchmarks
5. Re-Test - Computer simulation of the mathematics and reading
FCAT
Test Tools, Inc. advises that students first review the 10 topics in the
"Orientation Guide to the FCAT" to learn about the FCAT, the types of
questions that are on the FCAT, the different Sunshine State Standards
benchmarks that are on the FCAT, calculator usage, Mathematics and
Science reference sheets, passing scores, and the state laws regarding
the FCAT.
After gaining a full understanding of the design of the FCAT, the type
of questions that are on the FCAT, and the mathematics and reading
benchmarks that are on the FCAT, students should take a complete "FCAT
Computer Simulation PreTest" to get an idea of their individual
strengths and weaknesses.
Complete the Mathematics, Reading, or Science "FCAT Computer Simulation
PreTest" and print the breakdown of the individual grades for each
Sunshine State Standards benchmark. The "Student Grade Summary" keeps
track of all the grades from all the testing sections in the software.
The "Benchmark Reviews - Lesson Plans" section will allow students to
review basic remedial instruction and test taking tips for all of the
Mathematics, Reading, and Science benchmarks that are on the FCAT. The
user can review all the Florida Sunshine State Standards topics that,
according to the FCAT item specifications, are tested on the FCAT.
Students can then review and practice specific Mathematics, Reading, or
Science questions for the benchmarks that need improvement in the
"Individual Benchmark Assessments." These sections pull specific
questions from all parallel FCAT simulations in a random order, based
upon individual benchmarks. This allows a student to review and practice
a single benchmark, with detailed explanations for each question. There
is a grading summary at the end of each benchmark assessment that can be
printed.
After a student finishes reviewing and assessing the individual
benchmarks, they should then complete the "FCAT Computer Simulation Two"
for Mathematics, Reading, or Science. Then they should compare their
results from the FCAT Computer Simulation with the results from the FCAT
PreTest, review the differences, and repeat the "Benchmark Reviews -
Lesson Plans" and/or "Individual Benchmark Assessments" for the specific
benchmarks that need improvement.
There are five complete parallel mathematics and reading FCAT
simulations in the "FCAT Computer Simulation" section. The simulations
match the approximate number of questions per benchmark on the actual
FCAT, including multiple choice, gridded response, short response, and
extended response questions.
It should be understood that there is a tremendous amount of subject
material that can be tested on the actual FCAT. Moreover, last year's
actual FCAT may test completely different information from this year's
FCAT as well as next year's FCAT. Students and teachers should make sure
that each student is comfortable with all of the material contained in
the Orientation Guide to the FCAT, the Benchmark Reviews for
Mathematics, Reading, and Science, and the FCAT Computer Simulations
before taking the real FCAT.
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