The FCAT reading test assesses reading comprehension through the use of written material. Informational and literary reading passages, such as those contained within magazine and newspaper articles, editorials and biographies, are presented for student evaluation. Literary passages used include short stories, poems, folk tales and selections from novels.
Benchmarks are then set, depending on grade level, in areas such as accurately interpreting the context and main idea of the passages. Additional benchmarks include gauging the ability of students to accurately assess the validity of the points presented in the passages and the extent that students can identify and cite supporting credible references.
FCAT writing tests set benchmarks and subsequently measure students' abilities to focus, organize and support a theme or perspective. Tests include a prompt, presenting a topic to which students must respond. Students write a draft response to one of two randomly assigned topics. Students are asked, depending on the specific grade, to compose narrative or expository writing in relation to the assigned topic. Students in higher grades are additionally requested to demonstrate editing skills, including proper capitalization, punctuation, spelling and sentence structure.
Student proficiency in mathematics is measured and tested through grade-appropriate math problems and demonstrating logical reasoning skills and problem-solving strategies. Test questions are classified according to mathematical content, covering areas such as number sense, numerical operations and algebra. Patterns between numbers are explored, as well as statistics, data and probability. Skills in geometry and measurement are assessed, evaluating students' understandings of properties of plane and solid figures, coordinating shapes in designs and spatial reasoning.
FCAT testing in science includes multiple-choice items, gridded-response items and performance tasks. Benchmarks are set in students' abilities to understand how matter can be described, categorized and compared. Testing of knowledge in earth and space sciences includes exploring topics such as changes in climate, geological activity and how life-forms can be traced and compared. Students must demonstrate their comprehension of scientific thinking, using the scientific method to solve problems, recognize consistent natural patterns and identify the interdependence of science, technology and society.