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FCAT Begins for Florida's Students

Posted: 10:39 AM Apr 16, 2012
Reporter: Eyewitness News

FCAT Begins for Florida's Students - L@5
LIVE: FCAT Begins for Florida's Students 4-16 Noon

Tallahassee, Florida - April 16, 2012 -

This week is like no other for elementary, middle and high school students in Florida. April 16th is the first day of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, better known at the FCAT.

Students take the FCAT every spring but, this year's assessment test is the FCAT 2.0, which was used last year as well. Administrators say it'll carry tougher standards than the original FCAT.

The tests are used to help determine a child's progress in school.

Watch our live interview with Scotty Crowe, the Curriculum Director for Leon County Schools in the video player above.

A failing grade can affect students in a number of ways. Third-grade students who fail can be retained. Failing grades can also force students to take remedial math or reading classes and eventually keep students from graduating high school.

A 10th grade student must pass the reading portion of the FCAT to graduate, but they get two chances to pass in 11th grade and two more opportunities senior year.

Many concerns have always surrounded the FCAT. Eyewitness News will take a look at those concerns later this evening.