In-Depth Look at Florida’s FAST Test
What is the FAST Test?
Florida kids are finally taking the third and last of the FAST tests for the 2023-2024 school year. FAST stands for Florida Assessment of Student Thinking. Unlike the FSA, the FAST test is given three times a year between kindergarten and 10th grade. It’s shorter and it’s computer-based, not on paper like the FSA.
Schedule
Students from grades 3–10 took the First Administration, PM1, on August 7 and finished on September 29, 2023. They took PM2 on December 4 and finished on January 26, 2024. The Third Administration, PM3, began May 1 and is scheduled to finish on May 31. PM3 provides a summative score at the end of the year to measure student mastery of the grade-level content standards, according to the Florida Department of Education.
Assessments for grades K–2 started last year as well. The only schedule difference with assessments for grades 3–10 is that for them, PM3 started April 15 and will finish on May 31.
Results
Results for FAST assessments are reported in the Florida Reporting System within 24 hours of the student completing testing. Parents can view their children’s test results through the Florida Reporting System available in the FAST portal. For a quick guide to the login process, click here.
Achievement Levels
The FAST test uses the following achievement levels:
- Level 1: Well below grade level. Likely to need substantial support the next grade.
- Level 2: Below grade level. Likely to need substantial support for the next grade.
- Level 3: On grade level. May need additional support for the next grade.
- Level 4: Proficient. Likely to excel in the next grade.
- Level 5: Exemplary. Highly likely to excel in the next grade.
Scoring
The following table shows the scoring ranges for each achievement level on FAST assessments:
| Assessment | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
| Grade 3 ELA Reading | 140–185 | 186–200 | 201–212 | 213–224 | 225–260 |
| Grade 4 ELA Reading | 154–198 | 199–212 | 213–223 | 224–236 | 237–270 |
| Grade 5 ELA Reading | 160–205 | 206–221 | 222–231 | 232–245 | 246–279 |
| Grade 6 ELA Reading | 161–208 | 209–224 | 225–236 | 237–249 | 250–284 |
| Grade 7 ELA Reading | 165–214 | 215–231 | 232–241 | 242–256 | 257–292 |
| Grade 8 ELA Reading | 169–219 | 220–237 | 238–250 | 251–261 | 262–300 |
| Grade 9 ELA Reading | 174–223 | 224–241 | 242–253 | 254–266 | 267–303 |
| Grade 10 ELA Reading | 179–229 | 230–246 | 247–257 | 258–270 | 271–308 |
| ELA Reading Retake | 179–229 | 230–246 | 247–257 | 258–270 | 271–308 |
| Grade 3 Mathematics | 140–182 | 183–197 | 198–208 | 209–224 | 225–260 |
| Grade 4 Mathematics | 155–199 | 200–210 | 211–220 | 221–237 | 238–273 |
| Grade 5 Mathematics | 158–206 | 207–221 | 222–233 | 234–245 | 246–285 |
| Grade 6 Mathematics | 168–212 | 213–228 | 229–238 | 239–253 | 254–287 |
| Grade 7 Mathematics | 175–222 | 223–234 | 235–246 | 247–257 | 258–288 |
| Grade 8 Mathematics | 183–226 | 227–243 | 244–253 | 254–262 | 263–291 |
Additional Help
If you are worried about how to help your kid prepare for this stressful time, the FAST website has different resources to prepare for the assessment. For sample test items for VPK-2 or to take a sample test for grades, click here. To see the schedule for the next school year, click here.
Conclusion
The FAST test is an important assessment that measures student mastery of grade-level content standards. Understanding the test schedule, results, and scoring can help parents and students feel more prepared and confident. With the right resources and support, students can excel on the FAST test and reach their full potential.
FAQs
Q: What is the FAST test?
A: The FAST test is a computer-based assessment that measures student mastery of grade-level content standards.
Q: When is the FAST test given?
A: The FAST test is given three times a year between kindergarten and 10th grade.
Q: How are the results reported?
A: Results are reported in the Florida Reporting System within 24 hours of the student completing testing.
Q: What are the achievement levels?
A: The achievement levels are Level 1 (well below grade level), Level 2 (below grade level), Level 3 (on grade level), Level 4 (proficient), and Level 5 (exemplary).
Q: How can I help my child prepare for the FAST test?
A: You can help your child prepare by using resources on the FAST website, such as sample test items and a sample test for grades.
