{"id":2824,"date":"2022-08-31T21:19:04","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T01:19:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/schools.stlucie.k12.fl.us\/npk\/?p=2824"},"modified":"2022-08-31T21:19:04","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T01:19:04","slug":"testing-coordinator-shines-light-on-new-fast-assessments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/schools.stlucie.k12.fl.us\/npk\/testing-coordinator-shines-light-on-new-fast-assessments\/","title":{"rendered":"Testing Coordinator Shines Light on New FAST Assessments\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/span>As school assessments roll out across campus, Northport K-8 is taking measures to help parents understand the new testing program, <\/span>Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FAST Assessments replaced the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA), which was the previous standardized state assessment used in Florida. FAST assessments include VPK through grade 10 English Language Arts and VPK through grade 8 Mathematics.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A few notable differences between the FSA and\u00a0FAST\u00a0include the time it takes to test, the number of times we test per year and the way questions are presented to students.<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The new assessment comes with many improved features that are designed to help teachers drive instruction and better understand starting points, progress made throughout the year and the gains students make by the end of the year as it relates to the current state standards.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe assessments are quite different in nature. The FSA was a \u201cone-size fits all\u201d, summative assessment administered once a year, after one full academic year of learning in a particular subject. Students were provided with the same question and question choices, despite individual capabilities,\u201d said Deanna Guzman, school testing coordinator. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFAST is designed as a series of computer-adaptive, progress monitoring screenings, three\u00a0times a school year providing touchpoints where teachers use real-time data to strategically offer their students\u2019 academic support and\/or challenge, based on their individual needs,\u201d Guzman added.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The test is adaptive.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT) basically means the test is driven by real-time student responses to work to identify student ability. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn general, if a student gets an answer correct on a computer adaptive test, the next question may challenge the student; however, if a student answers incorrectly, the next question may be somewhat easier,\u201d said Guzman. \u201cIt will adapt and provide data to identify the students\u2019 academic understanding. In this case, aligned with the standards.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This test is similar to the\u00a0iReady platform students at Northport already use, which has long provided teachers and families with real-time standard-based data along with academic resources to support individual, small-group, and whole class instruction.\u00a0Northport will continue to utilize the iReady platform so students can view their\u00a0academic track after each diagnostic to help them build towards proficiency on their own individual path.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s more than just a test. It monitors progress, too!<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The FAST test will be given 3 times per year per subject matter. The first two tests per subject\u00a0are solely for progress monitoring and to help teachers drive instruction to support individual student learning towards mastery of the state standards, and the final FAST test will be summative. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProgress monitoring is important because our students need checkpoints to evaluate and re-evaluate their growth and needs,\u201d said Guzman. \u201cOur students are constantly growing and their needs change as they progress throughout the year. Progress Monitoring provides an opportunity for our students, their families, and the school community to assess \u201cwhat\u2019s next\u201d and \u201chow do we get there together\u201d? It drives a conversation built on data and support to help our students attain their highest potential.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Results will be available sooner.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the intent is to use scores to meet students where they are to help them advance, the wait time is much less than the FSA. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince FAST is administered online, results and data are available much quicker to both the schools and families, as opposed to the FSA,\u201d said Guzman. \u201cThis provides both an opportunity for families and schools to immediately hone in on skills students need to be successful in their development throughout the year, from the beginning.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nParents will be able to view their scores on Skyward as soon as they become available.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although exact dates have not been scheduled for the district, Northport anticipates testing within these timeframes:<\/span><\/p>\n