Just when the students of OHS thought the stress of standardized testing was over, in comes the FSA, also referred to as Florida Standards Assessment, taking the place of FCAT. Testing is set to take place in the spring of 2015. The writing portion will be given around March, while the reading portion will be given probably in April.
The OHS learning resource specialist, Mrs. Remy, was asked about some facts and opinions about the FSA. For now every class after the class of 2015 will take it. This might change due to the fact that the test is still in progress.
Juniors who have failed the FCAT will have to retake, as well as take the FSA. The reason for this is because state law declares that the standard test for the class of 2016 is still FCAT. This class will be the last to take the FCAT, while the class of 2017, 2018, etc. will take the FSA only.
Some juniors were asked about the fact that they have a new and tougher test to prepare for and the answer was almost unanimous.
Kenneth Caban was the voice of many underclassmen when he answered, “I’m stressed (knowing about the new standardized test) because now I have to expect something I thought I was done with.”
Mrs. Remy noted that the FCAT is being replaced by the FSA with a lot of support from Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
“He offered the government money to focus on the ‘common core’ of education” (known as the standards of math and English language arts, such as reading).
Mrs. Remy believes that the FSA will benefit teachers and students alike. The teachers won’t have to worry about what to teach the students anymore. This standardized test does just that.
Mrs. Remy said that every student should have some amount of “rigor,” in order to be successful, so this new test is a way for them to be rigorous.
When Mrs. Remy was asked if students have had the proper training for this new test she answered with, “It’s a learning process,” as with everything there are some things that we need some time to feel comfortable with.? We have very limited information when it comes to the FSA.
Parents and students can visit the website fsassessments.org for more details. There is also a practice test on that website for everyone to get an idea of what to expect on the assessment.
