Comparison Guide
Fast Action Edu vs Performance Matters
Performance Matters shows you the data. Fast Action Edu tells you what to do with it.
The Bottom Line
Performance Matters is great for viewing and exporting FAST scores, but it stops at reporting. Fast Action Edu picks up where PM leaves off — turning those scores into personalized IXL assignments, intervention groups, and parent communication.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Fast Action Edu | Performance Matters |
|---|---|---|
| View FAST scores | With analysis | Core feature |
| FAST to IXL skill matching | Automatic | Not available |
| Student priority triage | 4 levels + AI | Achievement levels only |
| Small group builder | By skill gap | Not available |
| Parent conference packets | 3 languages | Not available |
| AI intervention strategies | Per student | Not available |
| Item-level analysis | Category level | Item level |
| Test creation | Not available | Item bank |
| School/district reports | Admin dashboard | Comprehensive |
| Cost | $39.99/class | District contract |
Key Differences
Action vs Reporting
Performance Matters excels at showing you scores and trends. Fast Action Edu takes those same scores and generates actionable plans — specific IXL skills, grouped by priority, with teaching strategies for each student.
IXL Integration
Fast Action Edu is the only platform that maps FAST category scores directly to IXL skill recommendations. PM doesn't connect assessment data to practice platforms.
Teacher Workflow
With PM, you analyze data then separately plan instruction. Fast Action Edu combines both steps — analysis and planning happen simultaneously when you upload your data.
Parent Communication
PM doesn't generate parent-facing materials. Fast Action Edu creates bilingual conference packets with at-home activity recommendations in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
Who Should Use What?
Choose Fast Action Edu if you...
- Need IXL skill recommendations from FAST data
- Want ready-to-use intervention plans, not just reports
- Need parent conference packets in multiple languages
- Want AI-generated teaching strategies per student
- Need small group rosters built from skill gaps
Choose Performance Matters if you...
- Need item-level analysis of individual test questions
- Want to create custom assessments from an item bank
- Need comprehensive district-level longitudinal reporting
- Your district already provides PM and you need basic score viewing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both Performance Matters and Fast Action Edu?
Absolutely — they complement each other. Use PM to view and export your FAST data, then upload that export to Fast Action Edu to get IXL plans, small groups, and parent packets. Most teachers use both.
Does Fast Action Edu replace Performance Matters?
No. PM is a district-level assessment platform with item banks and test creation. Fast Action Edu is a teacher-level planning tool that turns FAST scores into action plans. They serve different purposes.
Can I upload PM exports directly?
Yes. Fast Action Edu reads Performance Matters CSV and Excel exports directly. Just download your class data from PM and upload it — no reformatting needed.
Why would I pay for Fast Action Edu if my district already pays for PM?
PM shows you the data. Fast Action Edu tells you what to do with it. The IXL skill matching, intervention strategies, parent packets, and small group builder are features PM doesn't offer.
Ready to Try Fast Action Edu?
Upload your FAST data and get personalized IXL plans in 60 seconds. Free for 5 students.
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