Testing Information

 

For information regarding the new FAST test, please visit the FAST Portal Florida Statewide Assessments Portal (flfast.org), click on Florida Assessment of Student Thinking icon, then the Students and Families icon.

Please review the following policies with your student before testing:

  • Electronic Devices—Students are not permitted to have any electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, and smartwatches, at any time during testing or during breaks (e.g., restroom), even if the devices are turned off or students do not use them. If your student is found with an electronic device, his or her test will be invalidated.
  • Calculators—For Grades 7 and 8 Mathematics, approved calculators may be used during Sessions 2 and 3 only. For EOC assessments, approved calculators may be used during Session 2 only. No handheld calculators are permitted
  • Testing Rules Acknowledgment—All FAST tests include a Testing Rules Acknowledgment that reads: “I understand the testing rules that were just read to me. If I do not follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated.” Prior to testing, test administrators read the rules to students, and students acknowledge that they understand the testing rules by signing below the statement on their planning sheets, worksheets, or work folders.
  • Discussing Test Content after Testing—The last portion of the testing rules read to students before they sign below the Testing Rules Acknowledgment states: “Because the content in all statewide assessments is secure, you may not discuss or reveal details about the test items or passages after the test. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting online, for example, on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or Instagram.” Please make sure your student understands that “discussing” test content includes any kind of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting to blogs or social media websites, etc. While students may not share information about secure test content after testing, this policy is not intended to prevent students from discussing their testing experiences with their parents/families.
  • Working Independently—Students are responsible for doing their own work during the test and for protecting their answers from being seen by others. If students are caught cheating during testing, their tests will be invalidated. In addition, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) employs Caveon Test Security to analyze student test results to detect unusually similar answer Student tests within a school that are found to have extremely similar answer patterns will be invalidated.
  • Leaving Campus—If your student leaves campus before completing a test session (for lunch, an appointment), he or she will not be allowed to return to that test session. If your student does not feel well on the day of testing, it may be best for him or her to wait and be tested on a make-up day. Please remember not to schedule appointments on testing days.
  • Testing Accommodations—If your student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or is an English Language Learner (ELL), they will receive any and all accommodations listed on their plan.  If you have questions about their accommodations please contact your child’s plan coordinator.

If you have any questions related to this test administration, you may contact Dr. Pascoa at 863-291-5320 ext. 421.

For more information about the FSA program, please visit the FAST Portal at Florida Statewide Assessments Portal (flfast.org).

Thank you for supporting your student and encouraging him or her to do his or her best during this test administration.

For any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Pascoa, our testing coordinator.

Testing Tips

We will be busy at JMAM preparing and reinforcing the skills necessary for students to demonstrate their learning. Parents play an important part in helping students give their best performance on this important test. Even though assessments are a snapshot—one single perspective – it is important that our students have every advantage to do their very best. We don’t want to cause test anxiety, rather we want our students to be as prepared as possible. There are many ways in which parents can help their child put his/her best foot forward. The following guidelines can help set our students up for success:

Throughout the year:

  1. Read to/with your child and make time to discuss what you’ve read.
  2. Encourage reading for pleasure regularly.
  3. Know what kind of homework teachers expect and make sure your child completes it.
  4. Provide a regular, quiet place for your child to read or complete homework.
  5. Set high expectations for grades and attendance.
  6. Take an active interest in what your child is doing in school. What is he or she learning? Parents who communicate daily about what their children are learning build a strong foundation to demonstrate that learning on tests.
  7. During the weeks leading up to the test, begin to talk with your child about doing his or her best. You know your child better than anyone. Emphasize the importance of the test, but remember to build confidence, not anxiety.

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