How are the FCAT written response questions scored?
These questions are handscored by qualified, trained scorers using criteria developed by Florida educators. At least two individuals review every written response to make sure there is agreement on what the students score should be. This process ensures the reliability of the scores on each question and on the test as a whole. A detailed description about the scoring of these written response questions, also called performance tasks, is available in theFCAT HandbookA Resource for Educators. Copies of theguidelines (or rubrics)for scoring written responses are also available on the Department of Education Web site. The Department produces a CD each year to help educators understand the handscoring process for FCAT performance tasks. This CD is called the(Florida Reads! Writes! Solves! Inquires! CD (FRWSI CD)and is delivered to school districts in July.
