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Introduction:
By now it is no secret that the province would like every student in grade 4 and 7 to participate in writing the FSA’s. This is the lines that the government has drawn in the sand and is standing behind it regardless of the BCTF position or DL parents’ opposition. Since we receive funding from the government we need to encourage you to have your child write this test. We do want to make it as easy for you as possible.
A description of the tests-
Both grade four and seven tests are composed of and administered in the same way.
1. Multiple Choice Questions for both math and reading- This section is done on the computer.
2. Reading two passages and answering a comprehension question. This section is done in a booklet that will be mailed or emailed to you. Please note if your child is on an IEP which says they need help with reading or writing – someone can read and write their responses
3. A Short written work – This question is tied to the reading passages
4. A longer written work – this year it will be an essay
5. Two problem solving questions for math
Remember – this is a snapshot of where your child may or not be.
The booklets will be mailed back to you by the end of March with the marks.
Note
1. Date –
February 4 to 14 instead of the first two weeks of May
2. Markers
Each district or in our case each DL school will be responsible for marking their own FSA tests. This means that your students test will be marked by a homeschool friendly teacher. We are picking 6 teachers to mark the tests.
3. The results
In the past you received long after the test is written a piece of paper with black bars on it saying your child – doesn’t meet, meets or fully meets expectations. Now you will be receiving the test booklets back April. You will be able to see exactly where your child had troubles and where they were able to shine.
4. The invigilator
Like last year, you will be able to write the exams in the comfort of your home using any person not related to oversee the test. IF you have some money left in Encom for curriculum resources and want to pay the invigilator we will send them a check. HCOS teachers are also willing to set up testing stations if that would work better for you.
5. Preparation
We will be setting up a spot on our web site where you will be able to check in each week and see a sample question for grade 4 and grade 7. You can then work with your child on doing these questions and ask your support teacher for help.
Contest
I am personally sponsoring two contests. They are – Are You Smarter Than a Fourth Grader and Are You Smarter Than a Seventh Grader. Each child that child that writes the FSA’s will have their name entered in a draw for an MP3 player. One for grade 4 and one for grade 7.
Welcome to the FSA web site for Heritage Christian Online School
