With just 52 percent of in Miami-Dade Black third graders scoring a 3 or higher on Reading FCAT compared to 84 percent of White and 67 percent of Hispanic students in 2009 according to the Florida Department of Education statistics, the Urban League of Miami’s Development Revolution sees the need to help tackle the problem.

The Urban League wants Liberty City families to know that their children can pass the test, with a little support from them. The League has launched a community-wide campaign to encourage parents and caregivers to contribute to their children’s success on the standardized test, launching a billboard advertisement in the heart of Liberty City, working directly with Dr. Henry W. Mack/West Little River Elementary School to develop activities that encourage parents to help their children prepare for the tests, which begin Tuesday, March 9.

The 14' x 24' billboard, with the message: "FCAT, Yes We Can!" -- is located on the corner of 62nd Street and 7th Avenue in Miami.

“The Black community has spent years fighting the FCAT,” said Urban League of Greater Miami president T. Willard Fair. “Now it’s time to focus on making sure all our kids pass it. The test isn’t going anywhere.”

The Department of Education statistics also found that among Miami-Dade 10th graders, just 53 percent of White students scored a 3 or above on the Reading FCAT, but the percentage dropped to 33 percent for Hispanic and just 16 percent for Black students. In math, 90 percent of White 3rd graders scored a 3 or above on the FCAT in 2009, versus 79 percent of Hispanic and 64 percent of Black students, while for 10th graders, 83 percent of White, 68 percent of Hispanic and 50 percent of Black students scored a 3 or above.

And while Fair points out that statewide, overall test scores for students of all ethnic groups have improved in recent years, “we can and must do better,” he says. “Getting our children educated and prepared for both college and life is the primary responsibility of the adults in our community. It’s time we all stepped up to that responsibility.”

Here are some tips the League is providing to parents as they gear up for the FCAT:

1. Make sure children get a good night’s sleep every night before the test. Studies show children who get 8-10 hours sleep are more alert, and do better on tests than kids who sleep less.

2. Feed your children a good breakfast on test morning, and every morning. Those who need assistance, or who think they may qualify for free breakfast, can contact their school or the Urban League at 305-696-4450 for help.

3. Read to children frequently, to spark their interest in learning, including reading books, or even the newspaper with them. When children see the adults around them taking an interest in learning and in current events, they’re more likely to take an interest, too.

4. Help children boost their vocabulary by engaging them in conversation. A simple chat about the events of their day gives kids an opportunity to improve their communication skills.

5. Encourage and support your children, grandchildren, and all the children you know. Kids respond to knowing that the adults around them believe in them and are excited about their achievements.

For more information, or to join the Development Revolution, contact the Urban League of Greater Miami at 305.696.4450 or log onto miamiurbanleague.org.