Who scores the FCAT? How are FCAT scorers trained?
Student bubbled answer sheets are scanned by a professional test-scoring contractor. FCAT performance task responses are graded by a test support contractor who recruits and hires people who have at least a Baccalaureate Degree. Each person must participate in an intensive training program and pass qualifying tests before being hired. Each written student response is scored independently by two readers. As the readers score the student responses, their work is continuously monitored. If they drift from the desired levels of reliability, they are either retrained or discharged. This process is used across the nation by other states that have large-scale testing programs.
Student bubbled answer sheets are scanned by a professional test-scoring contractor. FCAT performance task responses are graded by a test support contractor who recruits and hires people who have at least a Baccalaureate Degree. Each person must participate in an intensive training program and pass qualifying tests before being hired. Each written student response is scored by one reader, and 20 percent of all responses are scored independently by two readers. As the readers score the student responses, their work is continuously monitored. If they drift from the desired levels of reliability, they are either retrained or discharged. This process is used across the nation by other states that have large-scale testing programs.
