FAST Testing Florida: Everything You Should Know

FAST testing Florida introduces an important change in student assessments, as it shifts from the traditional Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) to a more flexible system known as the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST).

Launched by Governor Ron DeSantis, FAST creates a continuous way to evaluate student performance. Instead of relying on a single high-stakes test at the end of the year, students will take assessments three times a year. This approach allows teachers to closely monitor student progress and adjust their teaching strategies based on real-time feedback.

What Is the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST)?

The new FAST testing system focuses on monitoring student progress in reading and math for grades K-10. Unlike the FSA system, where exams are primarily on paper, the FAST assessments are shorter, computer-based tests that change in difficulty based on student responses. While all questions come from a common pool of questions, this design means each student receives different questions—those that match their skill level—and ensures they have a relevant and effective testing experience.

By design, FAST allows teachers to gain insights into student understanding, which enables them to tailor instruction to meet individual needs. Families can access FAST assessment results within 24 hours of the student completing the test. This provides timely feedback for both teachers and families.

Overall, FAST aims to improve educational outcomes by following Florida’s Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) standards.

What Students Take the FAST Test?

In Florida, students from VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) through grade 10 take the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) test. The FAST assessments focus on English Language Arts (ELA) reading for grades VPK through 10 and mathematics for grades VPK through 8.

Schools administer these tests to track how students are doing throughout the school year. For example, students in grade 3 need to score a Level 2 or higher on the Grade 3 FAST ELA Reading Assessment to be promoted. Similarly, students in grade 10 must pass the FAST ELA assessment to graduate.

FAST Achievement Levels and Support Needs

The FAST assessments break down student performance into five achievement levels, each showing how much support a student might need going forward. The various levels help teachers and families understand what kind of support students might need so that every student receives what they need to succeed:

• Level 1: Well below grade level. Students at this level will likely need a lot of help in the next grade to catch up.
• Level 2: Below grade level. These students may also need significant support to improve their skills in the upcoming grade.
• Level 3: On grade level. These students are doing okay but might still benefit from some extra help to keep growing.
• Level 4: Proficient. Students here are likely to do well in the next grade, showing a solid grasp of the material.
• Level 5: Exemplary. These students are performing at a high level and are very likely to excel in the next grade.

To learn more about the achievement levels, take a look at the Florida Statewide Assessments Reports for Families.

The Purpose of FAST Scores in Florida

FAST scores are important for keeping track of how students are doing and determining the support they need. Here’s how schools and stakeholders use these scores:

Progress Monitoring

Schools in Florida administer FAST assessments three times a year so that teachers can track student performance over time. The scores help identify which students are excelling and which ones may need additional support.

Baseline and Summative Data

The first two testing periods (PM1 and PM2) provide baseline data that teachers use to tailor instruction. The final assessment (PM3) offers a summative score, which summarizes a student’s overall performance for the year.

Support Planning

Based on the scores, teachers can plan the level of support each student may need for the next grade. This ensures that students who are struggling receive the necessary resources to improve.

Achievement Levels

FAST scores categorize students into achievement levels from 1 to 5. This classification helps teachers and families understand a student’s performance relative to grade-level expectations. This makes it easier to identify those who may need extra help.

Reporting to Stakeholders

Schools report FAST results within 24 hours and make them accessible to families through the Florida Department of Education Family Portal. This transparency allows families to stay informed about their child’s progress and areas that may need attention.

Role of FAST Test Results in Promotion

The test results from the FAST are not the sole criteria for moving students on to the next grade. Instead, they primarily serve as progress monitoring tools throughout the academic year, which helps teachers and other stakeholders track student performance and identify areas for improvement.

However, there are specific requirements for promotion, particularly for Grade 3 students. To advance to Grade 4, students must achieve a Level 2 or higher on the third exam (PM3) of the Grade 3 FAST ELA Reading Assessment. This requirement is part of the state’s efforts to ensure that students are reading at grade level before they move on.

For students who entered Grade 9 in the 2013–14 school year and beyond, passing the Grade 10 ELA assessment is necessary for graduation.

Timeframes for FAST Testing in Florida

FAST assessments take place during three testing windows throughout the school year, with different time limits for each subject:

Testing Windows (2024-2025 School Year)

The Florida Department of Education typically sets new testing windows each academic year to provide schools with flexibility. Below is the schedule for the 2024-2025 school year:

• PM1: August 5–September 27, 2024
• PM2: December 2, 2024–January 24, 2025
• PM3: April 14–May 30, 2025

Session Length

• For Grades 3–10 in ELA Reading, the testing time is typically 90 minutes for the first two administrations (PM1 and PM2) and 120 minutes for the final administration (PM3).
• For Mathematics, the time varies by grade:

• Grades 3–5: 80 minutes for PM1 and PM2, 100 minutes for PM3.
• Grades 6–8: 100 minutes for PM1 and PM2, 120 minutes for PM3.

Each test consists of 35 to 40 questions, covering both material learned in class and some that have yet to be introduced. Schools administer each assessment in one session on a single day, and students should take only one subject test per day. This structure promotes focused testing and gives students enough time to complete their assessments.

Can Students Use Calculators for FAST Testing?

Students can use calculators during the FAST assessments, but the rules vary by grade level:

• Grades 3–5: No calculators are allowed for FAST Mathematics assessments. Students will complete these assessments without calculator assistance.
• Grade 6: Students may use an online four-function calculator provided in the testing platform, as well as a handheld four-function calculator.
• Grades 7–8: Students have access to an online scientific calculator during the test and can also use a handheld scientific calculator.

It’s important to remember that personal electronic devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches, are not permitted during the assessments to maintain the integrity of the testing process.

Conclusion

FAST testing in Florida is an important way to check how students are doing and prepare them for the next grade. With three progress monitoring windows, teachers can quickly see where students are thriving and where they might need extra help. The results from FAST testing Florida help shape teaching strategies and influence promotion and graduation decisions.

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