As the 2025 school year ramps up, parents, teachers, and students across Florida are turning their attention to one of the most important assessments on the educational calendar: the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST). If you’re searching for ways to get ready for this key evaluation, you’re in the right place. The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking is more than just a test—it’s a tool designed to track progress and ensure every child is on track to meet high academic standards. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the FAST test, share practical preparation tips, and point you toward valuable resources like gatorFAST’s practice tests to help your child succeed.Whether your student is in elementary, middle, or high school, preparing for the FAST can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, it becomes an opportunity for growth. By understanding the test’s structure and incorporating consistent practice, you can boost confidence and performance. Let’s dive in and explore how to tackle the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking head-on.
What Is Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST)?
The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) represents a significant evolution in how the Sunshine State evaluates student learning. Introduced in the 2022-2023 school year, FAST replaced the older Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) to provide a more dynamic and supportive approach to education.
Aligned with Florida’s Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) standards, FAST focuses on progress monitoring rather than a single high-stakes end-of-year exam. This shift emphasizes ongoing assessment to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and tailor instruction throughout the year.
At its core, FAST is a computer-adaptive testing system, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on a student’s responses—easier questions follow correct answers, and harder ones follow incorrect ones. This ensures the test accurately measures a student’s true ability without overwhelming them.
It’s administered three times a year—known as Progress Monitoring 1 (PM1), Progress Monitoring 2 (PM2), and Progress Monitoring 3 (PM3)—allowing educators to track growth and intervene early if needed.
- PM1: August–September (baseline)
- PM2: December–January (mid-year review)
- PM3: April–June (final assessment)
Who Takes the FAST Test?
The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) is the state’s progress-monitoring system for English Language Arts (ELA) Reading and Mathematics.
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VPK through Grade 2: Students take shorter, computer-adaptive assessments that focus on foundational skills such as early literacy and early numeracy. These include Star Early Literacy, Star Reading, and Star Mathematics.
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Grades 3–10 (ELA Reading): Students take comprehensive ELA Reading assessments three times a year (PM1, PM2, PM3). The Grade 3 ELA Reading assessment is especially important for promotion decisions, while Grade 10 ELA Reading is a graduation requirement.
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Grades K–8 (Mathematics): Students are assessed in mathematics through grade 8. Algebra 1 and Geometry are measured separately through End-of-Course (EOC) assessments, not as part of FAST.
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Subjects Not Included in FAST: Writing (grades 4–10), Science (grades 5 and 8), and Social Studies (such as Civics and U.S. History EOCs) are assessed through other statewide tests, not FAST.
FAST assessments are mandatory for most Florida students and are administered three times a year to track progress and readiness. Results provide key indicators for student growth, promotion, and overall academic preparedness.
FAST Test Schedule for 2025
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) sets broad testing windows to give schools flexibility, but exact dates are determined by individual districts.
The testing windows below denote the amount of time provided for districts and schools to select test administration days:
Test Format and Content
All FAST assessments are computer-based and completed in one session per subject, promoting efficiency and reducing test anxiety.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Early Grades (VPK-2): Shorter adaptive tests using tools like Star Early Literacy for foundational skills.
- ELA Reading (Grades 3-10): Focuses on comprehension, vocabulary, and analysis of texts (fiction, nonfiction, poetry). Questions include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and tech-enhanced items like selecting evidence from passages. Time limits range from 90-120 minutes, depending on grade.
- Mathematics (VPK-Grade 8): Covers number sense, operations, geometry, and algebraic thinking. Calculators (four-function for lower grades, scientific for higher) are provided digitally. Sessions last 60-90 minutes.
Results are reported in achievement levels from 1 to 5.
Why Preparation Matters for The Florida FAST Test
With FAST’s adaptive nature and emphasis on B.E.S.T. standards, preparation isn’t about cramming – it’s about building skills progressively. Early and consistent practice helps students familiarize themselves with the format and improving accuracy. The skills tested—critical reading, problem-solving, and logical thinking are essential for lifelong learning.
Effective Preparation Tips for the Florida FAST Test
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into actionable strategies. These tips are drawn from expert recommendations and successful practices from Florida educators. Remember, the goal is steady progress, not perfection overnight. Start with PM1 in mind, but build habits that last through PM3 and beyond.
1. Understand the B.E.S.T. Standards
The foundation of FAST is Florida’s B.E.S.T. standards, which emphasize real-world application over rote memorization. For ELA, this means focusing on evidence-based reading and text analysis; for math, it’s about conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
Read our detailed articles:
2. Build a Consistent Study Routine
When it comes to test prep, consistency matters more than cramming. Instead of long, exhausting study sessions, aim for 20 to 30 minutes of focused practice each day. Mixing in different subjects will keep learning fresh and help your child avoid burnout.
3. Target Weak Areas with Purposeful Practice
Use early Progress Monitoring (PM) results as a guide. For example, if PM1 highlights challenges in geometry, make that a priority before PM2. Addressing weaknesses early can lead to big improvements later.
4. Strengthen Reading Reading Comprehension and Math
Reading comprehension and math play a major role in the Florida FAST test, so these should be top priorities in your child’s study plan.
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Reading: Encourage your child to engage with a wide variety of texts – stories, articles, poems, and nonfiction pieces. Discuss what they read to build vocabulary, fluency, and deeper understanding.
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Math: Focus on core concepts such as multiplication, division, fractions, and solving word problems.
5. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Mindset can make a world of difference in test prep. Help your child see the FAST PM1 not as something to fear, but as a chance to show how much they’ve grown. Remind them that improvement is possible with steady effort, and that every student has the potential to do well. Even one strong score can build confidence and motivate them to keep pushing forward.
gatorFAST for Targeted Prep for the Florida FAST Test
One of the best ways to prepare for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking is through realistic simulations, and that’s where gatorFAST shines.
Why choose gatorFAST? It’s affordable, tablet-friendly, and focuses on B.E.S.T. standards, helping students build confidence for PM1, PM2, and PM3.
Parents rave about the results: One user shared, “I used gatorFAST to study for the FAST test, and it helped me a lot! I even got 90% on my recent Mock test.”
Here is the quick look at the topics covered in the gatorFAST’s 5th Grade FAST Math Practice Test:
Conclusion: Empower your child for FAST Success in 2025
Preparing for the Florida FAST Test in 2025 is about more than passing a test – it’s about fostering a love for learning and ensuring your child meets the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking benchmarks with confidence. By understanding the overview, implementing these prep tips, and utilizing resources like gatorFAST’s practice tests, you’re setting the stage for academic achievement.Remember, the journey through PM1, PM2, and PM3 is progressive, so start early and stay consistent. With Florida’s education system showing upward trends in proficiency, your proactive approach can make all the difference.
Visit gatorFAST today to access their practice tests and guides – your child’s success starts here. If you have questions, check the Florida Statewide Assessment portal or consult your school.
References
Florida Statewide Assessment Program (2025-26 Schedule)
Florida Statewide Assessments Portal
