Parents are an important part of the testing process. Parents can help their children prepare for the computer-based FCAT by ensuring they attend school regularly, get adequate rest and have a healthy breakfast and dress comfortably on the day of the test. The Florida DOE says parents should also provide positive encouragement and support for their children and a chance to practice FCAT-type questions on the state's FCAT Explorer website. Parents of students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) should ensure that their childrens' needs are being met, including any needed test- based accommodations. During the 2010-2011 school year, certain students with an IEP may take a paper-based exam.
Students taking the computer-based FCAT should become familiar with the testing program and format before taking the exam. They should be comfortable using a computer to ensure that they make no testing mistakes as a result of unfamiliarity with the technology, according to the DOE. Attending school regularly helps students learn the information that will be on the examination and allows students the opportunity to learn more about the computer-based test. Florida offers students an FCAT Explorer website that provides a range of practice questions, mock tests and support lessons for students to use both at home and school. Students should talk to a teacher to receive their unique sign-in name and password.
School personnel play a crucial role in computer-based FCAT testing. Before the testing period, the school should ensure that all teachers and staff are aware of the computer-based system. Staff members who are administering the exam must receive more intensive training to be comfortable with the technology and system workings. Schools must also prepare libraries, computer labs and classrooms for the computer-based test. According to the DOE, libraries and computer labs must be arranged so students have adequate lighting, space to use scrap paper and are only able to see their computer screen. The testing areas must also be free of all wires and cables. For classroom testing, all desks must provide space for both a laptop and scrap paper and be arranged so students are unable to see their classmates' answers.