What your state tests
Florida replaced the old FSA with FAST — the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking — starting in 2022–23. FAST uses a progress-monitoring model: instead of one high-stakes spring test, students are checked three times a year so teachers and families can track growth. FAST is built on Florida's B.E.S.T. standards (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking), which replaced Common Core.
Which tests, which grades
- FAST — ELA ReadingProgress-monitoring assessments in grades 3–10 (with an earlier-grades reading/screening component)
- FAST — MathematicsProgress-monitoring assessments in grades 3–8
- End-of-Course (EOC) examsAlgebra 1, Geometry, Biology 1, Civics, and U.S. History, tied to those courses
- Statewide ScienceScience assessments at designated grades
- Alternate assessmentFor eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities
Format & subjects
FAST is computer-based and given as three checkpoints across the year (commonly called PM1, PM2, and PM3 — fall, winter, and spring), with the final window serving as the year's summative result. The progress-monitoring design aims to give faster, more frequent feedback than a single end-of-year test.
Is passing required to graduate?
Yes — for specific tests. To earn a standard diploma, Florida students must pass the Grade 10 ELA assessment and the Algebra 1 EOC (or earn an approved concordant/comparative score on the SAT, ACT, or PSAT for ELA, and an alternative for Algebra 1). Other EOCs (Geometry, Biology 1, Civics, U.S. History) typically count as a percentage of the course grade rather than a separate graduation gate.
How it's scored
FAST reports achievement levels 1–5, with Level 3 generally considered on-grade-level (satisfactory) and the graduation bar set at the required level for the Grade 10 ELA and Algebra 1 tests. Progress-monitoring results also show growth from PM1 to PM3.
Testing windows
Because FAST is progress monitoring, testing happens in three windows — roughly fall (PM1), winter (PM2), and spring (PM3) — with the spring window as the summative measure. EOCs are given in windows tied to course completion (fall, spring, summer). Exact dates are set by the Florida DOE and your district.
How to prepare
Classroom learning aligned to B.E.S.T. is the core; supplement with:
- Official FAST practice materialsThe Florida DOE and its testing portal provide practice tests and tools that match the real format
- Use the three checkpointsBecause PM1–PM3 track growth, treat the fall/winter results as a roadmap for what to shore up
- Target the graduation testsFor high schoolers, focus on Grade 10 ELA and Algebra 1, since those gate the diploma
Participation & opting out
Students in tested grades and courses are expected to participate; Florida does not offer a formal statewide opt-out. Ask your school about make-up windows and testing-day questions.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan (extended time, presentation and response supports, and more). English language learners receive designated supports and are assessed for English proficiency (ACCESS for ELLs).
Accountability & promotion
FAST and EOC results drive Florida's A–F school grades and accountability, inform third-grade reading promotion decisions, and — for Grade 10 ELA and Algebra 1 — gate high-school graduation (with concordant-score alternatives). The progress-monitoring data also guides instruction during the year.
Key facts
- TestFAST (replaced FSA in 2022–23)
- ModelProgress monitoring, 3×/year (PM1–PM3)
- GradesELA 3–10, Math 3–8 + EOCs
- StandardsB.E.S.T.
- Grad requirementGrade 10 ELA + Algebra 1 (or concordant score)
- AgencyFlorida Dept. of Education
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: