Lopez's class is ready. The FCAT is a favorite target for public school teachers around the state, many of whom complain that preparation monopolizes the classroom, overly stresses students and doesn't accurately measure student progress. The writing portion is today, and reading and math tests come in mid March. The test is a pressure-cooker for teachers, too. The state gives every school a letter grade, based in part on student performance on all the parts of the FCAT, including today's.
Administrators carefully track whose students excel and whose struggle.
In fourth grade, students receive writing prompts that ask them to either explain or tell a story. I like something for three reasons. Here are my three reasons. That is why I like something for three reasons. Lopez has been teaching 22 years.