#1 FAST Test Prep Blended Program

The FAST, or Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, is a standardized test administered to students in grades 3-10 in Florida. It measures student proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics aligned with the Florida Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T) Standards.

FAST is administered three times a year: Fall, Winter, and Spring. This allows for frequent progress monitoring and adjustments in instruction.

FAST serves several purposes:

• Track student progress: Helps teachers and administrators monitor individual student growth throughout the year, identify areas of strength and weakness, and tailor instruction accordingly.
• Inform instructional decisions: Provides data-driven insights to inform curriculum pacing, differentiation, and targeted interventions.
• Evaluate school and district performance: Tracks overall progress towards B.E.S.T. standards at the school and district level, informing resource allocation and professional development needs.

• Reading: VPK through grade 10
• Mathematics: VPK through grade 8
• Florida Assessment of Student Thinking – Star Early Literacy (FAST Star): Measures early literacy skills in VPK programs

While FAST is not about test prep, you can help students become familiar with the format and types of questions by:

• Providing practice tests: Lumos Learning offers online FAST practice tests for most grades and subjects.
• Discussing question types: Familiarize students with the range of question formats like multiple choice, short answer, and extended response.
• Building critical thinking skills: Encourage students to analyze information, solve problems, and justify their answers.
• Creating a positive testing environment: Emphasize the importance of learning and growth over test scores.

Administering the FAST Test smoothly and effectively requires attention to several key requirements:

a. Before the Test:

Preparation:

• Review and understand the Test Administration Manual (TAM) provided by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE).
• Ensure a secure testing environment with proper technology setup, lighting, and limited distractions.
• Verify availability of all necessary testing materials like scratch paper, login credentials, and test booklets (if applicable).
• Train proctors on their roles and responsibilities in maintaining test security and student support.

Student Eligibility:

• Confirm each student’s enrollment and eligibility for the specific FAST administration based on grade level and participation requirements.
• Provide accommodations as needed for students with disabilities or specific learning needs according to their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan.

Pre-Testing Procedures:

• Review testing instructions with students, emphasizing academic honesty and proper test-taking behavior.
• Conduct a practice session to familiarize students with the online testing platform and question types (optional but recommended).
• Collect student information and verify identities securely

b. During the Test:

Security and Monitoring:

• Continuously monitor students for adherence to test security protocols and prevent cheating or unauthorized assistance.
• Address any disruptions or technical issues promptly and calmly, following established procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of test materials and student data throughout the administration

Support and Assistance:

• Provide clarification and support to students if they encounter technical difficulties or have questions about test procedures.
• Remain professional and respectful while maintaining order and ensuring a fair testing environment.

Record-Keeping and Documentation:

• Accurately document incident reports and any irregularities that occur during the testing session.
• Collect and secure completed test materials according to FDOE guidelines.

c. After the Test:

Post-Testing Procedures:

• Complete and submit required reports and data to the FDOE according to established deadlines.
• Review the testing experience and identify areas for improvement for future administrations.
• Provide feedback to students and share their individual results as appropriate.

FAST data can be a powerful tool for administrator professional development, offering valuable insights to tailor instruction, support teachers, and improve school performance. Here’s how administrators can leverage FAST data for growth:

Identify Areas for School Improvement:

• Analyze overall school and grade level performance across subjects.
• Pinpoint areas where students struggle and where they excel.
• Compare your school’s performance to state and district benchmarks.
• Identify recurring patterns or trends in student learning needs.

Inform Curriculum and Instruction:

• Use data to guide curriculum development and resource allocation.
• Ensure curriculum aligns with tested standards and student needs.
• Develop targeted interventions for struggling students and enrichment activities for advanced learners.
• Track the effectiveness of instructional strategies and make adjustments as needed.

Support and Develop Teachers:

• Share school-wide and individual classroom data with teachers in a meaningful way.
• Facilitate data analysis workshops and provide professional development opportunities.
• Encourage collaborative data analysis among teachers to identify shared challenges and solutions.
• Use data to inform teacher evaluations and guide personalized professional development plans.

Improve Communication and Collaboration:

• Communicate data insights clearly and transparently to stakeholders like parents and the community.
• Foster a data-driven school culture where data is used to inform decision-making at all levels.
• Collaborate with district officials and share data to identify systemic issues and develop solutions.
• Use data to build trust and accountability within the school community.

The FAST test includes a variety of question formats, including:

• Multiple-choice
• Constructed-response prompts
• Open-ended responses
• Technology-enhanced items
• Performance-based assessments (high school only)

• Use clear and concise language: Avoid technical jargon and explain scores in easily understandable terms.
• Highlight student strengths and areas for improvement: Focus on growth and provide specific examples from the data.
• Offer resources and support: Share strategies for supporting student learning at home and at school.
• Provide opportunities for questions and discussion: Address concerns and ensure a two-way communication.

Teachers can leverage FAST data to personalize instruction in a variety of ways, making learning more targeted and effective for each student. Here are some key strategies:

• Diagnose: Analyze FAST scores, levels, and item details to pinpoint strengths & weaknesses.
• Differentiate: Create small groups, offer tiered tasks, and adjust pacing based on individual needs.
• Personalize: Utilize adaptive platforms, targeted resources, and engaging enrichment activities.
• Monitor & adjust: Track progress, assess frequently, reflect, and collaborate to refine strategies.
• Empower & celebrate: Build on strengths, create a safe space, communicate with parents, and celebrate victories.

The latest FAST Test blueprint for reading and mathematics was released in June 2023. It outlines the specific content and skills covered in each grade level

There are many valuable resources available to help teachers prepare their students for the FAST Test! Here are some key options:

• a. Florida Department of Education:
• FAST website: https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/
• Practice test questions: https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/
  k-12-student-assessment/fsa.stml
• b. Lumos Learning: Comprehensive platform with practice tests, study guides, personalized learning pathways, and teacher dashboards. Offers specific preparation programs for the FAST Test in ELA and Mathematics. Visit us: https://www.lumoslearning.com/
• c. Educational YouTube channels: Several channels offer engaging lessons and resources aligned to the FAST standards, such as Crash Course and Mr. Nussbaum.