By Robert Nolin, Sun Sentinel
6:58 p.m. EDT, May 21, 2012
Seeking to inform parents about tougher FCAT requirements — and allay concerns about failing scores — state education officials Monday established a hotline and websites where parents can get answers, voice opinions and share ideas.
The Department of Education's efforts came six days after officials passed an emergency rule lowering the standards by which students are scored on the writing part of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
The toll-free hotline, 866-507-1109, will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Parents may ask questions about changes to the FCAT exams, and how they will affect students.
An informational website has also been established athttp://www.floridapathtosuccess.org, which features a question and answer page, timelines for educational events and videos about Florida's public schools. A public forum for parents,http://www.parents.fldoe.org, includes a blog, discussion board, and announcements page. Parents may also offer their suggestions and opinions about the FCAT to state officials at this email address:justforparents@fldoe.org.
"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,Copyright © 2012, South Florida Sun-Sentinel