FAST Testing

F.A.S.T. Testing Information

Bob Sikes Elementary

April 30, 2024

FAST Testing

In March 2022, legislation was signed that eliminated the Florida Standards Assessment and replaced it with a progress monitoring tool to measure students’ growth in language arts and math.  This state-mandated progress monitoring tool, known as the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking or FAST, is aligned to the B.E.S.T standards.  These tests are given three times a year and are referred to as PM1, PM2, and PM3. 

About the Test 

The FAST is administered on the computer and is adaptive in nature.  This means that the test will adjust up or down depending on how your child responds. If your child answers an item correctly, the test will adjust and introduce a more challenging question.  If your child answers incorrectly, the test will adjust and present your child with a less challenging question.  Because the test is adaptive, no two students are taking the exact same test.  PM1 and PM2 are for informational purposes only.  PM1 is designed to provide a baseline score so teachers can track progress from PM1 to PM2.  PM2 will provide a mid-year score to compare to the baseline score from PM1.  PM3 will provide a summative score that will accurately measure students mastery of the B.E.S.T. standards at the end of the school year.  PM3 will be used for accountability beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. 

Click below for more information about the FAST Test:  

Testing Schedule for Bob Sikes Elementary:

  • Wednesday, May 1: 3rd and 5th Grade FAST Reading

    • **PE Changes: Grade 1- 7:50-8:35, Grade K- 8:40-9:25, Grade 5- 11:55-12:40, Grade 3- 12:45-1:30

  • Thursday, May 2: 1st , 2nd, and 4th Grade FAST Reading

  • Friday, May 3: Kindergarten FAST Reading

  • Wednesday, May 8 : 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade FAST Math

    • **PE Changes: Grade 1- 7:50-8:35, Grade K- 8:40-9:25, Grade 5- 11:55-12:40, Grade 3- 12:45-1:30

  • Thursday, May 9: Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade FAST Math

  • Tuesday, May 14: 5th Grade Statewide Science Assessment

    • **PE Changes: Grade 1- 7:50-8:35, Grade 5- 12:45-1:30

Preparing for the Test 

You can view sample FAST test items (grades K-2) or take a sample FAST test (grades 3-10)  by visiting the following sites:

Paper-Based Tests (Grade VPK-10)

FAST Grades K-2 

FAST Grades 3-10 

Computer-Based Tests (Grades 3-10)

Interpreting Your Child's FAST Results 

When you log into the Florida Statewide Assessments portal and access your child's results, you will notice that there are three icons in the top right-hand corner; Glossary, Guide, and Resources.  Click on the Guide icon. You will find a resource that will take you step-by-step through your child's report.  Remember that since this is new, not all of the information may be loaded into the state's system yet.  Information explaining your child's test results can be found by clicking below: