FCAT exemption question

[Guest guest]

I have a question that I am hoping someone on the list will have an answer to. I am trying to get my son to be exempt from taking FCAT. He is reading below grade level and is being instructed in a VE class in Middle School for four out of the five social sciences. The VE teacher teaches the Sunshine State Standards but on a lower grade level and at a slower pace and definitely modifies the curriculum to meet the needs of the students in the class.

I am continuously told by the IEP committee that he doesn't meet the exemption criteria for FCAT exemption. Nor can he be placed on FAA (Florida Alternate Assessment)

When I read the four questions that need to be answered "yes" to qualify for exemption, I am not sure exactly what one of the questions really means. Last question: Does the student have a significant cognitive disability? Well, what exactly does that mean? My son is smart, however, like many children with autism, he doesn't exactly grasp all of the information he reads. He needs visuals to understand certain words/terms. He, like many other people with autism, can memorize information and facts, vocabulary words, etc, but can't really apply them to real life.

I don't see the point to taking the FCAT test, especially because he is not reading on grade level and will be frustrated reading story after story about information that he might not be able to relate to.

I have called to the Department of Education and they basically couldn't tell me what the meaning of "significant cognitive disabiltiy" means. Therefore, it's hard for me to answer the question.

FCAT testing is all of next week and just puts so much stress on my son that he doesn't need.

Any input is greatly appreciated.