The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) is an essential part of your child’s educational journey.
As a parent, preparing your child for the Florida FAST PM1 (Progress Monitoring 1) Test can seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth and stress-free process.
In this article, we’ll discuss 5 proven tips to help your child succeed in the Florida FAST PM1.
Understand the Florida FAST PM1 Test
Before diving into study strategies, it’s important to know what your child will be up against.
Unlike traditional year-end tests, FAST is administered three times a year:
- PM1 (Progress Monitoring 1): Early fall, sets a baseline.
Given at the start of the school year (August – September), Florida FAST PM1 test sets a baseline score to gauge your child’s starting point in B.E.S.T. standards for the subjects such as English Language Arts (ELA), Math & Science. Science is applicable from Grade 5 onwards. The baseline scores help teachers plan their instructions to improve students competency levels across the subjects.
- PM2 (Progress Monitoring 2): Mid-year, tracks growth.
Administered mid-year (December – January), PM2 provides a mid-year score after students have learned grade-level standards, showing growth since PM1.
- PM3 (Progress Monitoring 3): May, the final and most critical assessment.
Held at year-end (May), PM3 delivers a summative score measuring mastery of B.E.S.T. standards. Unlike PM1and PM2 (informational only), PM3 counts for school accountability.
The tests are computer-based, adapting to your child’s skill level to pinpoint strengths and gaps.
Read our detailed articles:
1. B.E.S.T Standards for Math
2. B.E.S.T Standards for ELA
3. Parents Guide for Florida FAST Test
1. Develop a Consistent Study Schedule
Consistency is key when preparing for any exam, and the FAST PM1 is no different.
Create a study schedule that breaks down subjects into manageable chunks. Instead of cramming the night before, ensure your child study a little each day. Talk to the school teachers and find out the date for Florida FAST PM1 Test. Knowing the test date in advance will given you enough time to prepare the study schedule and not rush in the last few days before the test.
2. Utilize Practice Tests to Build Confidence
One of the best ways for your child to succeed on the Florida FAST PM1 is to become familiar with the type of questions they’ll encounter.
gatorFAST offers specialized practice test courses that simulate the real FAST. These courses help your child get comfortable with the question styles and time limits of the actual test.
Regularly taking these practice tests will not only boost their confidence but also pinpoint areas where they may need more focus.
Review the questions and answers after every practice test. gatorFAST provides detailed explanation for most of the questions.
3. Focus on Reading Comprehension and Math Skills
Florida FAST PM1 will test your child’s reading comprehension and math skills extensively. Focusing on these two subjects can make a significant impact on your child’s performance.
Spend extra time practicing reading comprehension by discussing stories, articles, or other written material with your child.
Reading comprehension is a cornerstone of the FAST ELA assessment. To excel, your child should read diverse materials – fiction, nonfiction, poetry to build vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
For math, focus on key concepts such as multiplication, division, fractions, and word problems. gatorFAST’s practice tests provide practice questions in these areas, allowing your child to sharpen their skills in a structured way.
4. Encourage a Growth Mindset
A positive attitude toward learning can have a huge impact on your child’s test preparation. Encourage them to view the Florida FAST PM1 Test as an opportunity to showcase their hard work and growth, rather than as something to fear. Many students feel that they are not as good as other students. However, the reality is that every student has good potential to score better provided continuous practice is done with consistent discipline. Obtaining a good score at least one time will boost their confidence to a very high level.
5. Communicate with Teachers
Stay in touch with your child’s teacher about their progress and any specific concerns regarding the FAST PM1. Teachers can provide valuable insights and may suggest additional resources or strategies to assist with preparation. Combining teacher guidance with effective tools like gatorFAST.com can create a well-rounded support system for your child.
How gatorFAST Can Help prepare for Florida FAST PM1
gatorFAST offers high quality Practice Tests for various Grades. Each course has multiple chapters aligned with Florida B.E.S.T Standards.
Shown below is an example of chapters from a Grade 5 Math practice test course.
gatorFAST makes Florida FAST Test prep simple, effective, and affordable:
- B.E.S.T. Aligned Questions: Cover PM1, PM2 and PM3 topics
- PM-Ready Format: Computer-based practice mirrors FAST, building test-day confidence.
By using gatorFAST’s practice test courses, your child can build the confidence and skills they need to ace the FAST PM1, setting them up for future academic success.
Final Thoughts
The Florida FAST PM1 is an important milestone in your child’s education, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the test structure, staying consistent with study sessions, focusing on core subjects, and leveraging practice tests, your child can approach the exam with confidence and perform their best.
GatorFAST offers the tools and support to help make that happen. So why wait?
Give your child the preparation they need to succeed—check out gatorFAST’s FAST Practice Test Courses today!
Never to forget – the day before the FAST PM1 test, focus on keeping things calm and positive. Be supportive and reassuring – remind your child that you believe in them and that doing their best is what matters most. Avoid putting pressure or sharing high expectations. Make sure they get a good night’s sleep, and in the morning, serve a healthy breakfast.
Send them off with a big smile and a boost of confidence.
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