FAST Assessment Complete Guide
FAST Assessment Complete Guide
Overview
FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) is Florida's computer-adaptive progress monitoring system for B.E.S.T. Standards accountability.
Administration Windows
| Window | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| PM1 | Beginning of Year (first 30 days) | Baseline - tests full year's blueprint, students expected to score low |
| PM2 | Mid-Year (Winter) | Growth checkpoint - compare to PM1 baseline |
| PM3 | End of Year (Spring) | Summative accountability - used for school grades, VAM, retention, graduation |
Achievement Levels
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Inadequate |
| 2 | Below Satisfactory |
| 3 | Satisfactory (On Grade Level) |
| 4 | Proficient |
| 5 | Mastery |
Calculator Policy
| Grade | Calculator |
|---|---|
| K-5 | NOT permitted - focus on computational fluency |
| 6 | Four-function calculator provided online |
| 7-8, Algebra 1, Geometry EOC | Scientific calculator provided online |
Item Types by Grade Band
K-2 (STAR Early Literacy/Math)
- Multiple choice with audio support
- Click on correct picture/word
- Visual, game-like format
- Computer reads questions aloud
Grades 3-8 Mathematics
- Equation Editor: Type equations/expressions using on-screen keypad
- Selectable Hot Text: Click specific numbers, words, phrases
- Multiselect: "Select ALL that apply" - must get all correct
- GRID: Drag lines, points, objects on graphs
Grades 3-10 ELA Reading
- Multiple Choice: Single correct answer (~40%)
- Multiselect: Multiple correct answers (~30%)
- Hot Text: Click words/phrases in passage (~20%)
- EBSR (Evidence-Based Selected Response): Part A (answer) + Part B (evidence) - must get BOTH correct (~10%)
Common Traps and Distractors
ELA Traps: - "Close But Wrong": Uses passage vocabulary but misrepresents meaning - "Too Specific": True detail but not main idea - "Partial Evidence": Part B shows evidence for wrong Part A answer - "Prior Knowledge": Answer uses background knowledge not in text (HB 7039 violation)
Math Traps: - Misapplying properties (distributive vs. others) - Inverse operation errors (add vs. subtract) - Place value missteps in multi-digit operations - Not simplifying fractions in equation editor - Misreading graph scales
General Traps: - Impulsive clicking (especially young students) - Selecting familiar-looking answer without reading carefully - On multiselect, choosing only 2 of 3 correct answers
FAST Writing (Grades 4-10)
Modes Assessed: - Argumentative - Expository - (Narrative taught but not assessed on FAST Writing in upper grades)
Scoring Domains: 1. Purpose/Structure (organization, focus) 2. Development (evidence, elaboration) 3. Language (conventions, style)
Key Constraint: Writing tasks are text-based. Students read 2-4 related texts and synthesize information. NOT creative writing - analytical and evidence-based.
Text-to-Speech Policy
Math/Science: Generally available for eligible students
ELA Reading Passages: Text-to-speech is a "unique accommodation" - only for students who are "truly non-readers" due to specific disability. Requires FDOE approval.
Accommodations
Must be documented on IEP and used regularly in classroom to be allowed on FAST: - Extended time - Flexible setting - Large print (18pt minimum) - Masking (hide parts of screen) - One-item-per-page format - Assistive technology per IEP
Preparing Students
- Practice with technology-enhanced item types during regular instruction
- Teach test-taking strategies (read all options, check work)
- Build stamina for computer-based testing
- Use CPALMS formative assessments with similar formats
- Familiarize students with on-screen tools (calculator, highlighter)
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