DOE Seeks to Communicate with Parents after FCAT Flop

A week after the new grading standards for the FCATs resulted in fewer students passing the test, causing state leaders to revise the scores, education officials have taken a multipronged approach to inform parents on whats going on in the schools.

On Monday, the Florida Department of Education launched a series of resources intended to help parents understand Floridas assessment and accountability system, increased standards, and how these changes will help prepare our K-12 students for college, career and life, according to a release from the state.

Floridas parents and guardians provide invaluable support to our students and the department is committed to ensuring they have the most accurate user-friendly information and resources available, Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson stated in a release.

We are asking more from our students and teachers than we ever have, and parents play a critical role in Floridas path forward.

The resources:

FCAT 2.0 Call Center

Beginning today, DOE experts will be available to answer parent questions from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parents may call 866-507-1109, toll-free, to ask questions about FCAT, recent changes to Floridas accountability system, and how this impacts students and teachers.

Floridas Path to Success

Visit the Floridas Path to Success website to find out more information about our transition to tougher standards and higher expectations. The website features a letter from Commissioner Robinson, timelines about Floridas education system, a question and answer page, and video from a Florida public school parent.

DOE Parent Portal by Novachi

In partnership with Novachi, the department has launched the DOE Parent Portal. This public forum is designed for parents to ask questions and voice ideas at the state level. The portal features a parent blog, discussion board, and announcements page with more education resources coming soon. Parents may log on for access to this free, user-friendly site.

DOE Just for Parents Email

This email address -- justforparents@fldoe.org -- is especially for Floridas parents to get answers, voice opinions and share ideas with the department.