FAST Parent/Guardian Notification - PM3 Grade 6-8 ELA Reading & Mathematics

Oct 4, 2026

Uploaded by 404brain

Notification for parents/guardians about the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) progress monitoring test for Grade 6-8 students. Describes PM3 administration dates for ELA Reading on May 5 and Mathematics on May 12 for students not taking Algebra or Geometry. Explains that FAST is computer-adaptive, includes 35–40 blueprint items, and results will reflect mastery of grade-level standards. Provides preparation links and testing policies covering electronic devices, calculator use, acknowledgment of rules, secure-content restrictions, independent work, leaving campus, accommodations, and handling irregularities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

PM3 Overview

Test Schedule and Purpose

Computer-Based FAST

Adaptive Format and Blueprint

Preparation Links and Practice

Paper-Based FAST

Blueprint Coverage and Sample Materials

Testing Policies

Electronic Devices and Calculator Rules

Testing Rules Acknowledgment

Secure Content, Cheating, Leaving Campus, Accommodations

Irregularities and Extra Time

Dear Parent/Guardian, The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) is a progress monitoring test that is administered three times per year to track your student’s progress in learning the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards. Your student will participate in the third administration (PM3) of the Grade 6-8 FAST ELA Reading assessment on May 5th, and the Mathematics assessment on May 12th for students who do not take Algebra or Geometry. The results from PM3 will show how well your student has mastered the grade level content standards. You will be provided with information about how to see your students’ results after testing is completed. Computer-Based FAST assessments are computer-adaptive tests taken on a computer or tablet. The questions get easier or more difficult depending on how your student responds, and each student will see different questions from a common item bank. Each test (PM1, PM2, and PM3) has 35–40 items that cover the test “blueprint,” meaning students will see items that measure the standards within the subject and grade level. For more information about the test design, please visit [https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/best/](https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/best/. You or your student can practice using)[. You or your student can practice using](https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/best/. You or your student can practice using) the online testing platform or review sample items at home at [https://flfast.org/families.html](https://flfast.org/families.html). Please review the following policies with your student before testing: ▪ Electronic Devices—Students are not allowed to access any electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cellphones, smart glasses, 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. Students may not wear smart glasses during statewide testing, even if they are prescription glasses. Students with prescription smart glasses will need to remove them or test another day with standard glasses. If your student is found with an electronic device or is found using Bluetooth/wireless headphones/earbuds during testing, his or her test will be invalidated (not scored) . ▪ Calculator Policy—For Grades 7–8 FAST Mathematics, approved handheld scientific calculators may be used. For Grade 6 FAST Mathematics, a handheld four-function calculator may be used. Calculators are not allowed for Grades 3–5 Mathematics. ▪ Testing Rules Acknowledgment—All 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 click a box in the test to show that they understand the testing rules. ▪ Discussing Test Content after Testing—The last part of the testing rules read to students states that because the test content is secure, students may not discuss or share details about the test items and passages after testing. This includes texting, emailing, or posting test content to social media sites. While students may not share information about what questions were on their test, this policy is not meant to prevent students from talking about 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 (not scored) . ▪ Leaving Campus—If your student leaves campus before completing a test (e.g., for lunch, an appointment), he or she will not be allowed to return to that test. If your student does not feel well on the day of testing, it ma

FAQs

When will PM3 FAST be administered for Grade 6-8 students?

PM3 ELA Reading is on May 5, and PM3 Mathematics is on May 12 for students who do not take Algebra or Geometry.

What does computer-adaptive mean in FAST testing?

FAST computer-based questions adjust in difficulty based on the student’s responses. Students see different questions from a common item bank, covering the test blueprint.

Are electronic devices allowed during FAST testing?

No. Students may not access electronic devices, including cellphones and smartwatches, during testing or breaks. Smart glasses are also not allowed for statewide testing.

Oct 4, 2026

Uploaded by 404brain