Kaplan Publishes Revised and Updated Book for the Grade 4 and 5 FCAT:
PARENT'S GUIDE TO THE FCAT Grades 4 and 5, Second Edition
By Cynthia and Drew Johnson

New York, NY (October 2001)-The growing importance of high stakes standardized tests is the most hotly debated education topic in decades. Never before has understanding the test - and performing well on it - been more important. Kaplan, Inc, the leader in test preparation, is helping students and their families get a handle on Grades 4 and 5 FCAT with the publication of the Second Edition of the Parent's Guide to the FCAT, Grades 4 and 5 (Kaplan, Inc. and Simon & Schuster; September 2001; $6.95.)

Of the 189,000 4th Graders tested during the 2001 administration of the FCAT, 31% scored at the lowest level (Level 1) in reading and 17% scored below standard in Writing. Of the 173,000 5th graders tested 27% scored at the lowest level (Level 1) in math.

Parental involvement has been shown to make a difference in how well students perform in school and this new guide provides parents with valuable information and tools to help their children face these challenging tests. In addition to explaining the basic structure of the tests and the objectives measured, this concise guide offers a range of activities designed to introduce students to basic test-taking techniques and to help them develop the critical skills measured by the test. Kaplan's Parent's Guide to the FCAT, Grades 4 and 5 shows parents how they can help demystify the test and help their children approach the exam with confidence.

The Guide includes:

A detailed overview of the test and its consequences.
Test strategies specifically tailored to the question types found on the test.
Home activities to build problem-solving and reading comprehension skills measures by the test.
Tips for reducing test anxiety.
Parent's Guide to the FCAT, Grades 4 and 5 is one of the latest books by Drew and Cynthia Johnson. The authors are state test experts and have written test review titles for 10 other states.

To read more about this title, click here...

About the Authors:
Drew Johnson is the author of more than 20 state test preparation guides and a national expert on state tests. He is co-author of Kaplan, Inc.'s Learning Power, a guide to improving study skills. Drew is currently an education writer and editor, creating workbook, textbook, and Web-based educational materials for students of all ages.

Cynthia Brantley Johnson is the author of several educational books for young people, including Word Smart Junior and Writing Smart Junior, both of which received the prestigious Parents' Choice Gold Award in 1995, and were included in Curriculum Administrator magazine's list of "Top 100" educational products for 1996.

Drew and Cynthia Johnson are also the authors of Kaplan's No Stress Guide to the 8th Grade FCAT, Second Edition (ISBN: 0-7432-1412-9, price: $8.00), the Ultimate FCAT: Expert Tips to Boost Your Grade 10 FCAT Score (ISBN: 0-7432-0176-0, price: $8.00), and are AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW to serve as experts on the Florida tests, test taking strategies, and trends in state testing.

About Kaplan Publishing
Kaplan Publishing, a division of Kaplan's Test Prep and Admissions business, is a joint venture between Kaplan, Inc. and Simon & Schuster. In 2000, Kaplan Publishing released 71 new titles in the areas of test preparation, admissions, education, and career development. Books are offered in traditional paper form or pre-packaged with computer software. Select titles are also available as e-books. Kaplan, Inc. has emerged as a leader in statewide assessment services through its publishing venture with the release of 24 new state test titles in 2000. In addition, Kaplan has forged relationships with schools and school districts to prepare students for state tests and to offer professional development for teachers and administrators through its K-12 Learning Services Division. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO.)

PARENT'S GUIDE TO THE FCAT, GRADES 4 AND 5, Second Edition
ISBN 0-7432-1404-8; $6.95
Publication date: September 2001

For TV producers: Kaplan, Inc. has created a B-roll Package on state tests. The B-roll includes cover shoots of Kaplan's state test titles, interviews with education experts, teachers, community leaders, parents and students. Please email lori_duggangold@kaplan.com if you would like to review the beta tape.

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
To arrange an interview with the authors, please contact Lori Duggan Gold, PR Manager at Kaplan Publishing at lori_duggangold@kaplan.com or by phone at 212-492-5903

2001-2002 TEST SCHEDULE
The Writing FCAT will be administered February 12, 2002. The Math and Reading FCAT will be administered Mar 11-13, 2002.

Press Contact:  Lori Duggan Gold, PR Manager, Kaplan Publishing - (212) 492-5903

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