Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
February 23, 2016
Florida law requires SCPS and all SCPS students to participate in the statewide, standardized assessment program. Specifically. Section
1008.22(3), F.S., states, “Participation in the assessment program is mandatory for all school districts and all students attending public
schools, including adult students seeking a standard high school diploma under s.1003.4282 and students in Department of Juvenile
Justice education programs, except as otherwise provided by law…” SCPS will fully comply with Florida law. The following information
is provided in response to SCPS parent questions posed to SCPS about the assessment program and the administration of the
assessments in Seminole County schools.
The information reflected in this FAQ is current as of the publication date. This document will be edited as needed to reflect updates from
the Florida Department of Education and changes to Florida statutes.
State Required Assessments - Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) and Statewide Science Assessment
1. What are Florida Standards Assessments?
The Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) are designed to provide parents and families, administrators,
teachers, policy makers, and the general public with information regarding how well students are
learning the Florida required curriculum standards associated with tested grade levels and courses.
2. What is the Statewide Science Assessment?
The FCAT Science has been renamed the Statewide Science Assessment. This assessment measures 5th
grade student achievement of the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards in Science. Though the
name of the assessment changed, there was no change in the content and it remains a paper/pencil
test.
3. Who participates in the Florida Standards Assessments and Statewide Science Assessment? Are these
tests administered on computer or paper/pencil? How long is each test?
All districts are required to teach the Florida Standards and per Florida Statute 1008.22, all districts are
required to participate in state testing. Therefore all students enrolled in Seminole County Public
schools participate in testing.
For each state required assessment, the tables below detail the grade level of student participants, the
state provided testing window, the length of each testing session, the number of testing sessions
required for each test, the test delivery method (CBT - computer based or paper/PBT - pencil based
testing) and the number of questions in each session. Fourth grade reading will be administered on
computer beginning in the spring of 2016. The Writing section of the FSA is administered separately
from the Language Arts portion and consists of one writing topic for student response. A student’s
results on the Writing section and the Language Arts section will be combined into one score. All tests
that are two sessions will be administered one session per day over two days.
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
FSA Writing
FSA ELA – Reading
*All sessions administered over two days.
FSA Mathematics
*All sessions administered over two days.
Statewide Science Assessment
*Sessions administered over two days.
2
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
4. How are students prepared to take a computer based FSA?
Prior to administering each computer-based assessment, test administrators conduct a practice test that
contains sample test items to prepare students for the item types, tools, and online interface they will
encounter during testing. Practice tests allow students to interact with tools available on the assessment
as well as content based question types. Practice tests are approximately 20 questions with an average
of 2 reading passages. Schools have been provided options for presenting practice tests in a way that
will minimally impact instructional time. Parents are encouraged to visit the Students and Families
section of the Florida Standards Assessment information portal to access additional test preparation
materials. www.fsassessments.org
5. What type of questions are included in the FSA?
The Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) are composed of test items that include traditional multiplechoice items, items that require students to type or write a response, and technology-enhanced items
(TEI). Technology-enhanced items are computer-delivered items that require students to interact with
test content to select, construct, and/or support their answers. These question types assess students’
ability to think and problem solve at a high academic level in alignment with the expectations of the
Florida Standards.
6. How can students and parents prepare for the FSA and Statewide Science Assessment?
Students and parents can best prepare for the FSA and Statewide Science Assessment by ensuring
students are in class each and every day. Overall, students are working and studying very hard, asking
questions in class and completing assignments. Parents are encouraged to stay involved in their child’s
education by working with teachers and reviewing relevant websites and resources. It is important for
all of us, parents, teachers, and staff, to encourage students to try their best, but to remember not to
over‐emphasize the assessments and create stress, fear, or frustration.
7. On what specific days will the state required tests be administered?
The testing windows for each of the state mandated assessments are presented in the charts above. For
your student’s specific testing days within these windows, please contact your student’s school. To access
the District 2015‐16 Elementary Assessment Schedule go to the SCPS main web page www.scps.k12.fl.us ,
click on Departments, select Assessment and Accountability, click on Assessment Schedules located on the
left hand side of the web page, and select 15-16 Elementary Assessment Schedule.
8. How does SCPS use assessment data for student placement in academic support and intervention
programs?
For the 2015‐16 school year, students were placed in academic support and intervention programs
based on a review of a variety of individual student data points. The data points included, but were not
limited to, teacher‐made or teacher‐selected classroom assessments, student course grades, school‐
based instructional technology program results, a review of prior year state required test scores,
progress monitoring assessments and other relevant state‐approved assessment results. Students who
demonstrated a need for intervention or intensive programs based on multiple sources of data are being
provided additional support. Seminole County Public Schools will utilize this process for the 2016-17
year unless there are legislative or Florida Department of Education (FDOE) rule changes.
3
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
9. Do the state required tests count toward students’ grades?
The Florida Standards Assessments and the Statewide Science Assessment do not count toward a
student’s grade in a subject.
10. Are exceptional education students in grades 3-5 who are enrolled in Access curriculum courses
required to take the FSA and the Statewide Science Assessment?
No, these students will take the Florida Standards Alternative Assessment instead of the FSA and/or
Statewide Science Assessment.
11. Are English Language Learner students in grades 3-5 required to take the FSA?
Yes, these students will take the FSA and may utilize all appropriate accommodations.
12. If a student does not score at achievement Level 2 or higher on the 3rd grade Florida Standards
Assessment – English/Language Arts (FSA –ELA), can the student be promoted to 4th grade?
Per Florida Statute 1008.22(5)(b), to be promoted to grade 4, a student must score a Level 2 or higher
on the statewide, standardized English Language Arts assessment (FSA-ELA) for grade 3. If a student’s
reading deficiency is not remedied by the end of grade 3, as demonstrated by scoring Level 2 or higher
on the grade 3 FSA-ELA, the student must be retained. Students not achieving a Level 2 or higher may
qualify for a good cause exemption.
13. What alternative assessment(s) may be administered to a 3rd grade student who has scored a Level 1
on the FSA - ELA to determine if the student qualifies for good cause exemption and promotion to 4th
grade?
Students not achieving a Level 2 or higher on the statewide assessment may qualify for a good cause
exemption per Florida State Board Rule 6A-1.094221(1)(A), F.A.C., which authorizes the use of the
following nationally norm-referenced tests in the determination of a good cause exemption for
promotion to grade 4:
 Iowa Assessment – scoring above the 50th percentile (SCPS selected alternate assessment)
 Stanford Achievement Test, Tenth Edition (SAT 10) – scoring above the 45th percentile
 Terranova, 3rd Ed. – scoring above the 50th percentile
14. Is a portfolio option available?
Section 1008.25(6)(b)4 F.S. provides that a student who demonstrates through a student portfolio that
the student is performing at least at Level 2 on the statewide standardized assessment is eligible for a
good cause exemption. For more information on the portfolio option, please contact your student’s
principal.
4
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
15. Do the results of the FSA count for school letter grades assigned to my student’s school?
Yes, the results of these assessments are included in the school grade calculation process. English
Language Learner students who have less than two full years of instruction in the United States at the
time of testing are not included in the calculation of school grades.
16. Are the results of state required assessments used to calculate a portion of a teacher’s evaluation?
Yes, the student data portion of a teacher’s evaluation counts as 34% of the overall teacher evaluation.
17. Is it possible for students to miss the same amount of questions on the FSA and yet receive different
scores?
Items on the FSA exams, as well as many standardized assessments, vary in item difficulty and cognitive
complexity and are weighted differently. All questions are not worth the same value. Different test
forms are utilized in the administration and are reviewed and compared by state psychometricians to
ensure that the level of difficulty is the same for each test form.
18. How are technology-enhanced item types, including free response items, graded on FSA exams?
Technology-Enhanced Item Type questions, including free responses, are graded by the computer. The
state testing vendor consults with content area experts in developing possible answer choices and
methods that a student may utilize to determine the right answer.
19. Are partial points awarded for technology-enhanced item types or multi-part questions?
Partial points are not awarded on the FSA.
Additional Information on State Required Assessments
20. How will students be treated if they refuse the test?
Seminole County Public Schools seeks to treat students, staff and families with the utmost respect
and courtesy. There should not be any intent to embarrass or humiliate students under any
circumstances.
Students will be offered the test, as required by statute. If a student refuses to take the test, the
parents will be notified, unless there is documentation from the parents that the student is not
permitted to take the test.
Students who refuse to test are not disciplined, will not be in jeopardy of losing their magnet school
assignment, nor be excluded from advanced courses, etc.
5
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
21. Who may be eligible for an extraordinary exemption from participation in the statewide
standardized assessment due to circumstances or conditions?
A student with a disability who has a circumstance, defined according to s. 1008.212 (1)(a), F.S., may
be eligible for an extraordinary exemption from participation in the statewide assessment.
Circumstance is defined as a situation in which accommodations allowable on a statewide
standardized assessment are not offered to a student during the current year’s assessment
administration due to technological limitations in the testing administration program that lead to
results that reflect the student’s impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills rather than the student’s
achievement of the benchmarks assessed by a statewide standardized assessment.
A student with a disability who has a condition may be eligible for an extraordinary exemption from
participation in the statewide standardized assessment. A condition is defined according to s. 1008.212
(1)(b), F.S., to mean an impairment, whether recently acquired or longstanding, that affects a student’s
ability to communicate in modes deemed acceptable for statewide standardized assessments, even if
appropriate accommodations are provided. The impairment creates a situation in which the results of
administration of a statewide standardized assessment would reflect the student’s impaired sensory,
manual or speaking skills rather than the student’s achievement of the benchmarks assessed by the
statewide standardized assessment.
A learning, emotional, behavioral or significant cognitive disability or the receipt of services through
the homebound or hospitalized program in accordance with Rule 6A-6.03020, F.A.C., is not, in
and of itself, an adequate criterion for granting an extraordinary exemption.
A child with a medical complexity may be exempt if the child’s health concerns meet the definition
in section 1008.22(10), F.S., and the parent and IEP team agree. In addition, a child with a medical
complexity may be exempt from participation in statewide assessments for one, two or three years,
or permanently, based upon the district superintendent’s request.
22. If an Exceptional Education Student (ESE) student or parent of an ESE student requests not to
participate in testing, how is a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) provided?
Florida Statutes Section 1008.22(3) provides that participation in the assessment program is
mandatory for ALL students attending public schools, except as otherwise provided by law. Pursuant
to section 1008.212, F.S., the IEP team, which must include the parent, may submit to the district
school superintendent a written request for an extraordinary exemption from the administration of
the assessment.
6
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
23. What is the “pledge or oath” that students and teachers are required to sign prior to taking the FSA?
It is a FLDOE requirement to ask students to sign or acknowledge the “Testing Rules Acknowledgement”
statement. If students do not sign the “Testing Rules Acknowledgement”, they can still participate in the
test. For computer based testing, if the student does not select the button to acknowledge
understanding of the testing rules, the student is able to access the test questions without pause or
interruption. In computer based testing, the only way the proctor would be aware of a student’s refusal
to acknowledge test rules, is if the student indicates this refusal to the proctor.
For paper based testing, if the student refuses to sign the “Testing Rules Acknowledgement”, the
student continues on and begins the test without pause or interruption. Proctors monitoring for the
signatures will not interrupt testing for a missing signature.
In the script provided to test administrators, the proctor is directed to take note of the student’s name
and notify the school test coordinator if the student did not sign or acknowledge the “Testing Rules
Acknowledgement”. Per state assessment administration manuals, school test coordinators are directed
to let these students test, but document the student’s refusal and retain this documentation at the
school. This information is not submitted to the district or the state.
24. What does the “NR2” designation mean and who decides to designate a test “NR2”?
An “NR2” designation means that the student’s score is not reported because the student did not
meet “attemptedness”. The FDOE, not Seminole County Public Schools, determines if the student has
met attemptedness and designates the test, “NR2”.
“Attemptedness” is defined as the actual number of questions a student must answer in each test
session. The number of questions that must be answered to qualify as attemptedness is not defined in
writing by the FDOE. The number of questions attempted in order to receive an “NR2” is subject to
change by the FDOE. FDOE does an analysis of test responses to determine attemptedness, with their
goal being to award scores to as many students as possible. There is no FDOE guidance regarding the
number of questions a student must attempt in order to be assigned an “NR2” designation.
25. What penalties exist for a student who receives an “NR2” score?
There are no specific state penalties for students who receive an “NR2” score.
However, it is important to note the following for grade 3 students who have an “NR2” score, no score
(“NT”‐Not Tested), or a Level 1 score.
There is a requirement for grade 3 students to demonstrate 3rd grade standards mastery on the state
reading assessment to be promoted to grade 4. Absent a score, the student is provided a make‐up test
opportunity. If the student scores Level 1 or no score is available, the district will use a portfolio with
state‐approved reading passages to document mastery of 3rd grade standards or a state‐approved
concordant nationally normed test. The Iowa Assessment (SCPS provided), Stanford Achievement Test,
Tenth Edition (SAT 10), and the Terranova, 3rd Ed. are the current state‐approved tests.
7
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
26. What designation will a student receive if he/she logs into a computer test or breaks a booklet seal
and does not answer any questions at all?
Students who do not answer any questions on an assessment will receive an “NT” (not tested)
designation.
27. What is the impact of “NT” and “NR2” on school grades and teachers?
Students who are awarded an “NT” negatively impact the percent tested requirement for school
grades. These students remain in the denominator of the school grade calculation.
Students who are awarded an “NR2” do not impact the percent tested requirement for school
grades. These students are removed from the denominator of the school grades calculation.
If several students in a teacher’s class receive “NT” or “NR2”, then the teacher’s Value Added Model
(VAM) score would be based on only those students who receive a score. The FDOE will calculate a
teacher’s VAM score on as few as two (2) students, although they do not recommend using this score
in the evaluation process.
28. Will the district penalize students who have an “NR2” score? For example, will the district place
students with an “NR2” in intensive courses/interventions based on the “NR2” score alone? Will the
district not allow students to participate in advanced courses/curriculum, including gifted? Will the
district not allow students to participate in extracurricular activities or go on field trips?
There are no district penalties for a student with an “NR2” score. Students will be placed in
grades/courses based on a review of a variety of individual student data points. The data points include,
but are not limited to, teacher‐made or teacher‐selected classroom assessments, student course
grades, school‐based instructional technology programs, and a review of previous state assessment
scores.
Students are eligible to participate in advanced curriculum including gifted, as well as extracurricular
activities and field trips.
29. Potential Impacts of Not Participating in the Florida State Assessments
Grade 3: Florida law currently mandates that a student without a Florida Standards Assessment (FSA)
English Language Arts (ELA) achievement level score of 2 or higher be retained unless they can show
mastery of Grade 3 Reading/ELA content via Portfolio or Iowa Assessment. (Section 1008.25(6)(b), F.S.)
The parent of a student who is identified any time during grade 3 as at risk of retention may request that
a portfolio be started at any point during the school year.
Grades 4-5: Students with no state assessment score for ELA or Math could potentially be placed in
remedial Reading or Math coursework. (Section 1008.25(4), F.S.)
8
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
30. How do I find out what days and what time my student is scheduled to test?
Please contact your school principal to determine your student’s specific testing days and times.
If you have additional questions regarding state required testing, please email [email protected]
Common Trimester Classroom Assessments
31. How are teachers monitoring student progress?
Seminole County Public Schools is committed to providing students rigorous, high quality instruction
aligned to Florida curriculum standards. Teachers utilize these curriculum standards and district
developed instructional plans to construct their daily lessons for students. Within the instructional
plans, there are activities and assessments aligned to the curriculum standards that teachers present to
their students. These activities and assessments that are embedded in the teachers’ classroom
instruction allow students and parents to gain insight into the student’s progress. Teachers utilize the
outcome of these activities and assessments to guide instructional decisions and provide insight into
each student’s progress toward mastering the curriculum standards taught during the grading period.
By using the results from these classroom embedded activities and assessments to monitor student
progress, disruptions to instructional time have been reduced.
32. What are Common Trimester Assessments? Who participates in these assessments?
Common Trimester Assessments are a part of the instructional plan and designed to provide parents,
teachers and students with information regarding the progress students are making toward mastering
the curriculum standards. The content of these assessments is aligned to the grade level instructional
plans that teachers use to plan daily instruction for your student. Assessment questions were written
and selected by Seminole County Public School teachers, instructional coaches and district curriculum
specialists. The table below details the grade level of student participants, the subjects tested and the
number of testing sessions required for each test and the test delivery method.
Common Trimester Assessments
9
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
33. How will the Common Trimester Assessments be administered?
Students in grades K-5 will take one assessment that contains a total of 15-25 multiple choice ELA and
Math questions and can be administered via computer or paper/pencil. Students in grades 4-5 will take
an additional assessment in Science. The method of administration will be a school decision based upon
available resources at the school. Kindergarten and grade 1 assessments will be presented orally to
students as a whole class and will be administered paper-pencil only. Students in grades 2-5 will
complete their assessments independently.
34. When will the Common Trimester Assessments be administered?
These assessments will be given near the end of each trimester grading period. Each school establishes
its own testing schedule.
35. How will the results of the Common Trimester Assessments be used?
The results of these assessments will provide teachers, parents and students insight into the progress
each student is making toward mastering curriculum standards. Progress monitoring assessments allow
teachers to gather timely information to inform their daily instructional planning and support of your
student. Student results on these assessments will be shared with parents and students.
The results of these assessments may be counted as a class grade for 4th and 5th grade students. This is a
school based decision. Please contact your student’s teacher for more information.
The results of these assessments will not be used in the calculation of teacher evaluations or in the
calculation of the school’s grade.
36. Will students with IEP, 504, or ELL Plans be allowed accommodations while taking the Common
Trimester Assessments?
Yes, a student participating in these assessments will be provided accommodations in accordance with
the student’s Individual Education Plan, 504 or ELL Plan. Exceptional education students enrolled in
Access curriculum based courses will NOT participate in Common Trimester Assessments.
37. What is EdInsight?
EdInsight is the computer platform and data system that houses the progress monitoring assessment
items developed by district teachers, instructional coaches and staff. Students who are accessing the tests
via computer will take the assessment within the EdInsight testing platform. Students who are taking the
assessments via paper/pencil will have their test results uploaded to the platform. The EdInsight platform
scores each assessment and provides teachers with reports that reflect student responses by curriculum
standard and/or test item. Teachers will utilize these reports to gain insight into student progress on
mastery of curriculum standards.
10
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Other District Assessments - Iowa Assessments
38. What is the Iowa Assessment?
The Iowa Assessment is designed to measure and compare individual students’ performances or test
results to those of an appropriate peer group at the classroom, district, state, or national level. The Iowa
Assessment measures skills and content knowledge in a multiple choice format in the areas of Reading,
Writing, Language Arts, Mathematics and Science. The test is norm-referenced, and is designed to
provide students, parents and teachers information on the student’s academic growth over the course
of the school year. Additionally, as a norm referenced test, the results will show how the performance
of Seminole County Public Schools’ students compares with other students in the nation.
39. Who will participate in the Iowa Assessments?
Kindergarten through grade 3 students will participate in Reading, Writing, Language Arts, and
Mathematics subtests. Students in grades 2 and 3 will also participate in Science. English Language
Learners and students with exceptionalities who are NOT enrolled in ACCESS courses will participate in
testing.
40. Will students with IEP, 504, or ELL Plans be allowed accommodations while taking the Iowa
Assessments?
Yes, accommodations allowable on state assessments will be allowed on the Iowa Assessments.
41. Are the Iowa Assessments computer or paper based?
The Iowa Assessments will be administered as paper/pencil tests. Students in grades K-2 will mark
answer choices in their test booklet. Students in grade 3 will mark answer choices on a separate answer
sheet.
42. How will the Iowa Assessments be administered?
Most subtests will be presented orally to students in grades K-1. Students in grade 2 will have a
combination of oral presentation and independent assessment. At grade 3, general directions are
presented by the teacher, with students independently reading test items and response choices. All
tests are administered as whole group unless indicated otherwise on a student’s IEP or 504 plan.
43. When will the Iowa Assessments be administered?
The Iowa Assessments will be administered twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.
44. How long are the Iowa Assessments?
At all grade levels, a daily schedule has been established that allows for subtests to be administered over
multiple days within a six day period. Subtest time lengths can range from 10 to 40 minutes each and can
differ by subject and grade. No more than 60 minutes of testing will be scheduled in any one day.
11
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
The table below details the grade level of student participants, total testing time and test delivery method.
Iowa Assessments
45. Will parents and teachers receive results from the Iowa Assessments?
Yes, parents and teachers will receive results. Results should be available within 30 days of testing.
46. What scores will parents and teachers receive? Will results be explained?
Scores on the Iowa Assessment can be compared with scores earned by a nationally representative sample
of students who took the test (the norm group). The Iowa Assessment score that reflects this comparison is
called a national percentile rank (NPR). If a student’s national percentile rank in Reading is 62, then the
student scored as well as or higher on this subtest than 62% of his/her same-grade peers in the national
norm group. The percentile ranks range from 1 to 99. The national average in all subtests is 50%.
Other scores received from the Iowa Assessment may include:




scale scores (total score received for the subtest)
raw scores (number of questions the student answered correctly)
grade equivalent scores (number that describes the student’s location on an achievement
continuum of grades and months, at which the typical student receives the scale score)
number attempted (the number of items the student answered)
Score reports generally contain a narrative that helps with understanding and/or interpreting the score
results.
47. How will student results be used?
Student results will be used to help inform instructional decisions at the classroom, school, and district
levels. They will also show parents how their student is performing in comparison to other students at
the same grade level nationally. Results will provide both a measure of where the student’s strengths
and growth potential are in the fall and spring of each year, and a measure of their growth throughout
the year. Growth measures will be used as part of the calculation in teacher evaluations. Iowa
Assessment results are not part of the school grade calculation nor are they used as part of the student’s
grade in any subject.
12
Last updated on February 12, 2016
Elementary Testing Frequently Asked Questions
48. Third grade students are required to participate in the Florida Standards ELA Assessment. Why are
they also participating in the Iowa Assessment?
As a first time participant in the Florida Standards Assessments, 3rd grade students are only eligible to
receive a score that is based on their test proficiency. They do not receive a score that measures
learning growth over the course of the year because they do not have prior year FSA scores in English
Language Arts or Mathematics. Participating in the Iowa Assessment will provide students, parents and
teachers this important learning growth information. Additionally, the Iowa Assessment scores will be
available prior to the end of the school year. This information can be used by parents and teachers to
provide summer instructional support and acceleration opportunities.
Third grade students who do not achieve a Level 2 or higher on the FSA-ELA may utilize the results of the
Iowa Assessment to qualify for a good cause exemption for promotion to grade 4 per Florida State Board
Rule 6A-1.094221(1)(A), F.A.C.
49. Who should I contact if I have additional questions related to the Common Trimester Assessment or
Iowa Assessments?
The first point of contact is the school principal.
13
Last updated on February 12, 2016