Hey there Kowboys! There’s no more FCAT, but there is the FSA. Which is exactly like the FCAT, but it’s worded differently. So, there’s still FCAT, it just has a different name. I was able to ask some of our staff about their opinions on the new test and I wasn’t surprised at their answers. Most of them didn’t even know about the change. Others just didn’t care. One of our staff members stated that “It doesn’t really matter. It’s still a test anyway.” But there are others who disagree with that statement.
When asked her opinion on the new test, Sabah, a staff member, responded with “I don’t think they should have changed it.” She believes that even though there is still a test, the FCAT was already a good enough test. She doesn’t see the reason behind the change in tests.
Another staff member, McKenzie, said “I think most people are going to fail it, because it has new standards and the grading is different.” She believes that the test is going to be harder, mostly because it’s going to be graded in a harsher manner.
Why did they change the test, may you ask? Because, apparently, Bill Gates gave the government money to focus on “common core”, as in English and Reading. It is supposed to be easier on teachers because they already know the standards. It is also supposed to benefit the students, because they are supposed to have some amount of rigor, and this test will give them the extra push that they need.
Now, don’t get it wrong. If you failed FCAT, you still have to take the FCAT and pass it, but you will also have to take the FSA. The FSA will be affecting those of class of 2016 and beyond. So no, Class of 2015, we don’t have to take it.
My personal opinion? Well, I am currently a senior, so I don’t have to take the exam. But, as for the people who do, I believe it’s going to be harder for them. I believe that, since it will be worded differently, it might be harder for them to understand some of the questions.
I feel that they are now being hit with a whole different way of learning, when they’re already been used to one way for such a long time. I kind of feel bad for those who have to take the new test.
All in all, most of our staff agrees that either way it’s still just a test, but there are people who may have more to say than we do. So you tell us, what do you think about the new Florida Standards Assessment?
