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If you’re a Florida parent or educator, you’re probably familiar with the Florida BEST Standards and Florida FAST Test. But what are these standards, and how do they impact your student’s education from kindergarten through high school? At gatorFAST, we’re here to explain the Florida BEST Standards for Math, including their distinctive framework, and guide you on supporting your student’s success.
What are Florida BEST Standards for MATH?
The B.E.S.T. Standards represent Florida’s commitment to providing a clear, rigorous, and student-centered math curriculum. Unlike previous standards, B.E.S.T. emphasizes coherence, focus, and depth over rote memorization.
Launched in 2020, the B.E.S.T. Standards (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) are Florida’s K-12 academic framework, replacing the Common Core.
Key goals of the B.E.S.T. Standards include:
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Clarity: Providing straightforward expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.
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Progression: Ensuring a logical sequence of learning that builds on prior knowledge.
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Real-World Relevance: Connecting math to practical applications to engage students and demonstrate its value.
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Equity: Offering all students access to high-quality math instruction, regardless of background.
Structure of the Florida BEST Standards for MATH
The B.E.S.T. Standards for Mathematics are organized by grade level and cover a range of mathematical strands.
These strands reflect the core areas of math education and are designed to develop both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding.
The main strands include:
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Number Sense and Operations (NSO): Focuses on understanding numbers, their relationships, and operations.
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Fractions (FR): Emphasizes understanding and operations with fractions, primarily in Grades 3–5.
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Algebraic Reasoning (AR): Introduces algebraic concepts, progressing to advanced topics in high school.
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Functions (F): Explores relationships between variables, primarily in Grades 8–12.
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Financial Literacy (FL): Teaches practical financial skills, introduced in Grades 6–12.
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Measurement (M): Covers units, conversions, and applications like area and volume.
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Geometric Reasoning (GR): Explores shapes and spatial relationships.
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Trigonometry (T): Focuses on trigonometric concepts in Grades 9–12.
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Data Analysis and Probability (DP): Teaches data interpretation and probability.
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Logic and Discrete Theory (LT): Introduces advanced topics like set theory in Grades 9–12.
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Calculus (C): Covers advanced calculus concepts in Grades 9–12.
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Mathematical Thinking and Reasoning (MTR): A cross-cutting strand emphasizing problem-solving and reasoning skills.
Each standard is articulated through benchmarks, which specify the skills and knowledge students should master at each grade level. Benchmarks are coded for easy reference (e.g., MA.3.NSO.1.1 for Number Sense and Operations, Grade 3, Benchmark 1.1) and include clarifications to guide teachers in implementation.
Florida BEST Standards Coding Scheme for MATH
Following representation shows the coding scheme for Florida’s B.E.S.T Standards for MATH.
Sample Benchmarks Across Grade Levels
To provide a clearer picture of the expectations set by the B.E.S.T. Standards, the table below highlights a selection of benchmarks from different grade levels and strands. These examples illustrate the skills students are expected to master and how they align with the standards’ focus on conceptual understanding and real-world application.
| Grade Level | Strand | Benchmark Code | Benchmark Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | Fractions | MA.3.FR.1.1 | Represent and interpret unit fractions and fractions as a partitioning of a whole into equal parts in a variety of contexts. |
| Grade 5 | Algebraic Reasoning | MA.5.AR.2.1 | Translate written real-world and mathematical descriptions into numerical expressions and vice versa. |
Florida BEST Standards and FAST Test
The Florida FAST Test (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) assesses students in grades K-10 three times a year to monitor progress in ELA and Math.
It’s fully aligned with the B.E.S.T. Standards, testing skills across the four strands:
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The B.E.S.T. Standards outline the specific knowledge and skills students are expected to master at each grade level in ELA (reading and writing) and Mathematics. These standards emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application.
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The FAST Test is designed to measure student progress and mastery of these B.E.S.T. Standards. It assesses ELA Reading for grades VPK–10 and Mathematics for grades VPK–8, ensuring that the test content directly reflects the standards taught in the classroom.
Why Choose gatorFAST for BEST Success?
gatorFAST is your partner in mastering the B.E.S.T. Standards and FAST Test.
Unlike other platforms, gatorFAST is dedicated only for Florida FAST Test Prep.
Here’s why families choose us:
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Strand-Aligned Content: Our practice covers Foundations, Reading, Communication, and Vocabulary
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Engaging Platform: Challenges keep students motivated across all grades.
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Parent Support: Track progress.
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Proven Results: Thousands of students have improved skills and confidence with gatorFAST.
Read our article Top 5 Reasons to Choose gatorFAST
Checkout gatorFAST All Courses
Florida’s BEST Standards for Mathematics mark a significant step toward a more meaningful and effective math education. By prioritizing critical thinking, real-world applications, and equitable access, these standards aim to empower students to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Educators, parents, and students can leverage gatorFAST for math to build skills and confidence needed to excel in FAST Tests.
The First Step Towards BEST Success
Florida B.E.S.T Standards for MATH, with their strands, empower students to engage with the world.
By understanding these standards and supporting your student’s growth, you’re preparing them for the FAST Test and a lifetime of opportunities. gatorFAST is here to make that journey seamless.
Visit gatorfast.com to explore our B.E.S.T. aligned courses.
Questions? Leave a comment or contact us. Let’s help your student shine!
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