Fla. DOE Launches FCAT Call Center, Parent Websites
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) -- The state Department of Education has launched a new campaign to give parents more information about the new, tougher version of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test and other education issues.
There are several new resources available to parents which were designed to "help parents understand Florida's 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 statement.
"Florida's 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," said Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. "We are asking more from our students and teachers than we ever have, and parents play a critical role in Florida's path forward."
The new resources include an FCAT 2.0 Call Center, Florida's Path to Success website, DOE Parent Portal by Novachi, and Just for Parents e-mail address.
Here's the breakdown:
Beginning Monday, 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 Florida's accountability system, and how this impacts students and teachers.
Florida's Path to Success website provides more information about the state's transition to tougher standards and higher expectations. The website features a letter from Commissioner Robinson, timelines about Florida's education system, a question and answer page, and video from a Florida public school parent.
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 logon for access to this free user-friendly site.
This e-mail address is especially for Florida's parents to get answers, voice opinions and share ideas with the department.
