Students around the state of Florida and at West Shore have begun the first phase of progress monitoring under a brand-new testing system this fall. The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) testing has replaced Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) testing after the Florida Legislature passed a bill making changes earlier this year. 

“It is a new test and is meant to assess student growth throughout the year,” Guidance Service Professional Rebecca Matoska said. “With testing during the year, there is the opportunity for response and improvement.” 

The new testing is designed to give teachers better ability to provide assistance to students throughout the year.

“Teachers may use FAST results to offer supports to students who may require them,” Matoska said. “They may use it to guide curriculum and may use it to create more challenging and dynamic lessons for those who are already at or above grade level.” 

Matoska said results should be available to families via a new portal.

“The portal is being adjusted to allow for direct family access and will be updated soon,” she said. “Students who had previous access should still be able to use their old credentials to log in.”

Matoska said the second round of progress monitoring will take place during the week of Jan. 10, and she is confident teachers will use the results well.

“Our teachers are the best and will no doubt find ways to apply this added information to their classrooms in an intentional and appropriate way,” she said.

By Lily Repperger