6A-1.09422: Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Requirements
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule amendment is to remove the passing score requirement on the grade 10 FCAT Writing+ to qualify for a standard high school diploma and to remove the current requirement for grade-level scale scores in order to comply with Senate Bill (SB) 1908. SB 1908 amended Section 1008.22, Florida Statutes, to require that the Commissioner discontinue administration of multiple-choice test items on the comprehensive assessment of writing until a new comprehensive assessment of writing is administered in 2012-2013. The historical grade-level scale scores and the grade 10 passing standard will remain in rule for student results reported during the 2007 and 2008 FCAT Writing+ administrations which included multiple-choice items. Until a new comprehensive assessment of writing is administered in 2012-2013, the comprehensive assessment of writing will consist of a writing essay scored on a scale of 1 to 6. The score scale for the essay is being added to the rule for clarification purposes. There are no changes in practice; the FCAT writing holistic rubrics have always been on a scale of 1 to 6. The effect is the delay of the implementation of a high school graduation testing requirement in writing, as well as a delay in the use of multiple-choice test items on the statewide comprehensive assessment of writing. However, students will continue to be tested in writing in grades 4, 8, and 10.
SUMMARY: This rule is amended to remove the passing score requirement on the grade 10 FCAT Writing+ to qualify for a standard high school diploma and to remove the current requirement for grade-level scale scores.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.02, 1008.22(3)(c)5., 1008.22(11) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1001.02, 1001.11, 1008.22, 1008.25, 1008.33 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: January 21, 2009, 8:30 a.m.
PLACE: Kenwood School, 9300 S.W. 79th Avenue, Miami, Florida
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Dr. Cornelia Orr, Director, Assessment and School Performance, 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, (850)245-0513
THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:
6A-1.09422 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test Requirements.
(1) through (3)(d) No chanage.
(e) The FCAT shall be administered to students in grades 3 through 9 not less than one time per year on a schedule approved by the Commissioner and up to three times per year for students who do not attain minimum performance expectations on the grade 10 FCAT as specified in subsections (7) and (8) of this rule.
(4) Examinee scores on FCAT reading and mathematics shall be reported on a score scale from 100 to 500 defined by the baseline test administered during January and February 1998, and a developmental scale of approximately 0 to 3000 that defines performance across grades 3 through 10. Examinee scores on FCAT Science shall be reported on a score scale from 100 to 500 defined by the baseline test administered during March 2003. Examinee scores on FCAT writing Writing+ shall be reported on a score scale from 1 to 6 defined by the FCAT writing holistic rubrics 100 to 500 defined by the baseline test administered during February 2006. Each examinee shall receive a total score for each subject area in addition to part scores that can be reliably reported.
(5) The total scores on FCAT Reading, Mathematics, Writing+, and Science are also reported on an achievement-level scale. The total scores that correspond to each achievement level are shown in the following paragraphs.
(a) through (c) No change.
(d) Beginning with the effective date of this rule, the The achievement levels for the 2007 and 2008 FCAT Writing+ shall be as shown in the following table.
Writing+ grade-level scale scores (100 to 500) for each achievement level:
|
Grade |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
Level 5 |
|
4 |
100-239 |
240-289 |
290-364 |
365-426 |
427-500 |
|
8 |
100-249 |
250-298 |
299-355 |
356-415 |
416-500 |
|
10 |
100-249 |
250-299 |
300-341 |
342-402 |
403-500 |
The passing standard for the 2007 and 2008 Grade 10 FCAT Writing + shall be a score equal to or greater than 300 on the 100 to 500 scale. The achievement levels and passing standard specified in this subsection shall apply only to the 2007 and 2008 administrations of FCAT Writing +.
(6) Pursuant to Section 1008.22(3)(c)5., Florida Statutes, students who were enrolled in grade nine in the fall of 1999 and thereafter, shall be required to earn passing scores on the grade ten Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test in reading and mathematics. Students who were enrolled in grade nine in the fall of 2006 and thereafter, shall be required to earn passing scores on the grade ten Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test in writing.
(7) No change.
(8) For students in the graduating class of 2009-10 school year and beyond, the passing score for the writing test shall be a score equal to or greater than 300 on the 100 to 500 scale.
(8)(9) The Commissioner of Education shall review annually student performance levels and recommend to the State Board of Education whether to maintain the existing passing scores and achievement levels or to increase one or more of the requirements.
(9)(10) The test shall be administered according to a schedule approved by the Commissioner.
(10)(11) Students with disabilities may be provided test modifications or accommodations in accordance with the provisions of Rule 6A-1.0943, F.A.C.
(11)(12) Invalidity of a section of this rule shall not invalidate the remainder of the rule.
Specific Authority 1001.02, 1008.22 FS. Law Implemented 1001.02, 1001.11, 1008.22, 1008.25, 1008.33 FS. History–New 1-24-99, Amended 10-7-01, 1-22-02, 12-23-03, 3-27-06, 3-1-07,________.