Starting tomorrow, students in fourth through 10th grades will begin taking the writing portion of the new Florida Standards Assessments. This and upcoming tests replace the former FCAT, based on the new Florida Standards. Remember these tests are mandated by Florida law for all public school students, and there is no provision for opting out of testing. Please refer to the Commissioner of Education’s letter on our web site which includes potential penalties for non-compliance. While some districts are making plans to remove students from class if they don’t take the test, we have no such plans in OCPS.

I certainly encourage parents to continue to advocate with the appropriate officials regarding education issues, as we will do the same. I hope we can avoid placing undue burden on children and their academic future in the process.

Our teachers have been instructing the new standards and our students are showing progress. We want to lead them to success. Here’s how you can help: make sure children get enough sleep the night before tests; eat a healthy breakfast and arrive on time to school. Most importantly, stay positive. Let’s encourage our students to do their best on the tests. You can visit our Parents page at http://www.OCPS.net for more information.

Sincerely,​

Barbara M. Jenkins, Ed.D.
Superintendent