The test is set up as a progress monitoring model. FAST assessments are computer-adaptive tests taken on a computer. The questions get easier or more difficult depending on how the student responds, and each student will see different questions from a common item bank. Each test attempt (PM1, PM2, and PM3) will present 35–40 items that will cover the entire test “blueprint,” meaning students will encounter items representative of the standards within the subject or grade level.  

• Progress monitoring 1 (PM1) dates have been announced (see below). Students will be told of their testing room by their 1^st period teacher. Testing begins promptly at 7:30. Please encourage your child to do their best, bring a pencil, and eat a healthy breakfast. 
• • • Questions will be based on current grade standards. 
    • Students will be assessed on standards that will be covered over the entire curriculum and this progress monitoring tool will be used to guide teacher instruction so that students continue to make progress.  
    • Test dates for PM1 are as follows: 
    • 6^th grade FAST ELA Progress Monitor 1 (PM1): September 8^th  
    • 7^th grade FAST ELA Progress Monitor 1 (PM1): September 9^th  
    • 8^th grade FAST ELA Progress Monitor 1 (PM1): September 12^th  
    • 6^th grade FAST Math Progress Monitor 1 (PM1): September 13^th  
    • 7^th grade FAST Math Progress Monitor 1 (PM1): September 15^th 
    • 8^th grade FAST Math Progress Monitor 1 (PM1): September 16^th  

• Progress monitoring 2 will be December/January.
  • • Questions will be based on current grade standards. 
    • Students are expected to show improvement from progress monitoring assessment. It will contain current grade standards that have not yet been taught as the year is still ongoing. 

• • Progress monitoring 3 will be in May.
    • Questions will be based on current grade standards. 
    • This is the high-stakes test.  

*Students enrolled in classes with an EOC will take the EOC but will not take FAST

*Students who are enrolled in 7^th grade Accelerated Math will take 7^th grade FAST in September, but then will take the 8^th grade FAST in Dec/Jan as well as in May since this aligns best with the standards taught in this course.  

 Results will be available promptly

• • Teachers will have results in 1 week. 
  • Families will be able to view results in 2 weeks. Directions on how to access the results can be found here: Access to Student Results

    What about the writing test? 

  • The writing test is a stand-alone test that is given only once a year.  It will not be part of the progress monitoring.  Its score will no longer be a part of the reading score. 
  • The rubrics are still in draft form. 
  • Sixth grade is now grouped with fourth and fifth grades on the rubrics. 
  • Narrative writing will eventually be a writing mode that could be assessed; it will not be one of the possibilities this year. 
  • This year, writing will be field tested in select schools.  We do not yet know if SPMS is a field test site.  

The FAST assessment fact sheet can be found here (2022-23 FAST Grades 3-10 ELA Reading and Grades 3-10 Mathematics Fact Sheet (FLDOE.org) 

Families can view sample questions and the format of the assessment by signing in as a guest user here (Student: Login, Please Sign In (cambiumtds.com). 

For more information on the test design, please visit the FLDOE’s B.E.S.T. Assessments web page.