The kids have been preparing all year. They are ready.
As an interpreter my days could either be hectic or very mundane depending on how the students test.
Here are some of the rules from the Guide to FCAT and FCAT 2.0 Accommodations for Students with Disabilities, found on page 22:
- Sign language presentation of test items and answer choices on
FCAT and FCAT 2.0 Mathematics and Science and the topic
(prompt) for FCAT Writing
- Sign language presentation of directions of any FCAT and FCAT
2.0 assessment - English/sign or sign/English translation dictionary for students
who use sign language as their primary means of communication.
The dictionary must be similar to one used in the instructional setting
and may not contain definitions of words. The dictionary may contain
the sign picture, the word, synonyms, and an index.
The Florida Department of Education has some great info on their site. It’s always a great place to start researching those questions you may have about statewide assessments.
Here are few test taking tips that you might want to remind your students:
- Read and pay careful attention to all directions.
- Read each passage and accompanying questions.
- Read every possible answer–the best one could be last.
- Read and respond to items one at a time rather than thinking about the whole test.
- Reread, when necessary, the parts of a passage needed for selecting the correct answer.
- Don’t make uneducated guesses. Try to get the correct answer by reasoning and eliminating wrong answers.
- Decide exactly what the question is asking; one response is clearly best.
- Make sure to record the answer in the correct place on the answer sheet.
- Only change an answer if you are sure the first one you picked was wrong. Be sure to completely erase changed answers.
- After completion of the test, use any remaining time to check your answers.
- Keep a good attitude. Think positively!
Good Luck to all of the FCAT takers, administrators, proctors, and fellow interpreters.
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School Interpreter 