FCAT test Scoring
FCAT test scoring is done by the Department of Education of Florida, using a combination of electronic scoring (machine scoring) and hand scoring. Unlike most other tests done through machine scoring (where a raw score is given based on the number of correct answers), FCAT test scoring is done through an advanced statistical process, as this method of scoring prevents individual bias to a great extent and gives most accurate results.
Scanning of the answer documents are done by a process termed as “imaging” wherein an electronic picture of the entire answer sheet (including the answers written by students in their own handwriting) is taken. The evaluation of gridded and multiple choice answers are done by using a computer program that can read the bubbled answers and give scores based on an answer key. The entire process of imaging and scoring is done by the contractors of the Department through a “hand scoring” process by using answer keys and criteria called rubrics, established by the educators of Florida. The final student scores are recorded by clubbing the scores from the hand scoring process and machine scores.
The FCAT test scores in reading and mathematics fall within a score range of 100 to 500, with 300 being considered an average score. Separate scoring is done for reading and mathematics. Generally FCAT test scores fall within the range of 200 to 400, with a few students scoring between 100-200 and 400-500. There is no such score as “passing score” in each grade levels. A passing score of 300 is applicable only to students of grade 10. The passing score is the minimum score which a student should achieve in order to obtain a high school diploma.
To aid better understanding of performance of students in the test, the State Board of Education in Florida adopted a procedure wherein scores for all students from Grades 3 to 10 will be reported on the basis of achievement levels.
The five levels are explained below.
Level 5 performance indicates that the student answered almost all questions correctly, including the most difficult ones and is successful even with the most competitive content as per Florida Sunshine State Standard.
Level 4 performance indicates that the student has correct answers to most of the questions, though is only partially successful with the competitive content as per Florida Sunshine State Standard.
Level 3 indicates that the performance of the student is inconsistent and is less successful with the challenging content of Sunshine state Standard.
Level 2 indicates limited success of a student when it comes to challenging or competitive content as per the Sunshine State Standard.
Level 1 indicates that the success of a student as per the Florida Sunshine State Standard is very little.
The results of FCAT test provide data showing the average scores and achievement levels of students of each school, and district in the state of Florida. Apart from reporting the scale scores, developmental scale scores and achievement levels on a particular content thread, it also reports the norm-referenced test scores (performance of an individual student of Florida against the national standards) of each student.