| As we write this article, the results for the 2009 3rd | | | | The simple answer to the retention question is - Yes, if |
| grade FCAT are not out - but we have already been | | | | you do nothing, your child will be retained. |
| asked several questions by concerned parents, | | | | For the first time ever - this test can be taken whether |
| including: | | | | your child attended summer school or did not - private |
| 1- If my child failed the 3rd grade FCAT, will they be | | | | help is an option. |
| retained? | | | | There are private options - and this may be your best |
| 2- If my child failed the 3rd grade FCAT, what private | | | | option. |
| school should I send them to, to avoid 3rd grade | | | | The private school options do exist. Specialized |
| retention? | | | | schools like Lighthouse Pointe Academy (LPA at North |
| 3- If my child failed the 3rd grade FCAT is there | | | | Broward Preparatory School), American Heritage |
| another way for them to be promoted? | | | | Academy that is associated with American Heritage |
| The FCAT is Florida's high stakes test - it is also called | | | | Schools, and Kentwood Preparatory Schools are 3 |
| the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Many | | | | options and other private schools are also options. |
| smart kids fail the FCAT because: | | | | We are big believers in public schools - -and |
| - They set the standards much higher in 3rd grade. | | | | recommend you consider what you can do to help |
| - The test is very tricky - and many adults get the | | | | your child be promoted to 4th grade. |
| questions wrong. | | | | The three steps you can take are to: |
| - The pressure is intense. | | | | 1- Talk with your child's teacher and find out where |
| We like to answer the questions from a personal | | | | your child stands. |
| perspective. If our child had just failed the 3rd grade | | | | 2- Find out about summer school and your other |
| FCAT: | | | | options - each county has some flexibility. |
| 1- Would they be retained? | | | | 3- Consider private options. |
| 2- Would I send them to private school and which | | | | When considering FCAT Help, FCAT Tutoring or |
| one? | | | | FCAT Programs, you may want to consider: |
| 3- Are there other options? | | | | 1- Do they teach the way your child learns best? - too |
| There are other options. In Broward County, the | | | | often programs are logical and sequential - when the |
| options include: | | | | child is a right-brained learner - who learns best when |
| 1- The teacher having a portfolio that shows your child | | | | they see and experience information |
| has mastered the material. | | | | 2- Are they focused on passing the test, improving |
| 2- Passing 8 mini-benchmarks that show your child has | | | | your child's foundational skills, or both? |
| mastered the material. | | | | 3- Do they have a track record of helping kids do |
| 3- Passing a new standardized test - the BCAP - that | | | | extremely well on the test, in school, in life, or in all three |
| Broward County has developed that will be given on | | | | areas? |
| July 21st | | | | |