On March 15, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1048 into a law, introducing the new FAST test. Florida students are taking the adapted version for the first time this school year. The new test focuses more on progress monitoring while the former FSA testing focused largely on mastery of the grade at the end of the year. 

Students in kindergarten through grade 10 must take the FAST testing three times a year. The first test is at the beginning of the year, the second test is mid-year, and the third test is at the end of the year. In contrast, students took the FSA once, at the end of each school year. 

Ann Benoy is a sophomore at OHS who favors the new form of standardized tests. She finds the test easier and less stressful than FSA since she takes the test more frequently, instead of all at once. 

“The FAST testing seemed like all the other standardized tests I’ve taken. The questions were more on the easier side,” Benoy said. 

Many students like the fact that they get to know where they stand before and after they finish the school year. 

“I like that we are tested before and after learning the material. It helps see the improvement in my skills,” freshman Moitri Santra said.

On the other hand, some students find the test more cumbersome and exasperating. They find taking the test more than once a year is more annoying and demanding.

“It’s basically the same thing as FSA, but taking it multiple times makes it extremely aggravating,” said freshman Ollie Rasmussen.

Students’ opinions varied widely, from appreciation to aggravation, with this new testing system. But whether students prefer the progress-based approach of FAST, or the results-based FSA, they will have to adjust to this new system of testing.