How are test questions selected for the FCAT?
The process of preparing questions for use on the FCAT takes approximately two years. During the first year, test questions are written according to specific guidelines developed by Florida educators. A national assessment company, under contract with the Department of Education, employs professional writers to create the questions proposed for the FCAT. All of these test questions are then reviewed and revised by Florida teachers, curriculum specialists, and school/district administrators to ensure their grade-level appropriateness for Florida students. During the second year, each question accepted by Florida educators is tried out with Florida students as a field-test question before it is put on a test. (See the question Are the released tests the actual tests that were administered to students?)In addition to a review by educators, test questions are also reviewed for bias, for community sensitivity, and for statistical quality. Final selection of questions for use on the FCAT req
