Understand the importance of the FCAT

I know that by the time this article comes out we'll be close to the finish of the FCAT, but I would like to talk about it.

The FCAT is a test for the public schools of Florida — and possibly private schools. (I'm not sure because I don't go to one).

Anyway, it determines a lot of things.

One of the most important things it is used for is to figure out if you can go on to the next grade or not.

Other things such as behavior and report cards count too, but if you get straight A's on all your report cards except a big F on the FCAT, you won't pass the grade.

The beginning elementary grades don't have to take the FCAT.

Instead, they take a similar test called SAT 10. (When I was in those grades, it was called SAT 9.)

SAT 10 determines the same things as the FCAT (which stands for Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test).

Third-graders take the FCAT and do math and reading tests; fourth graders do writing, math and reading (I did an article on that last year.); and fifth grade does science, reading and math.

Part of the FCAT is actually NRT (Norm Referenced Testing), which is when students take a test and then the answers are compared with other kids their age taking the same test all over the country.

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with whether you go on to another grade.

I'm glad the FCAT is almost over because when we rearrange the desks for FCAT into individual desks, it makes me feel like I'm in a TV show.