Dr. Monica Carballo
School Assessment and AP Coordinator
dr.carballo@dadeschools.net
305-232-2044
STATEWIDE ASSESSMENTS
FL Department of Education – Assessments
Florida’s high school assessments for 9th and 10th-grade Reading are aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) standards. This new system, called the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST), is a computer-adaptive test designed to track student progress throughout the year.
What to Know About the FAST Assessments
- When do students test? Students will take the FAST Reading assessment three times a year to help us monitor their learning.
- What is a computer-adaptive test? These assessments are taken on a computer or tablet. The questions get easier or more difficult depending on how your student responds, and each student will see a different set of questions.
- How long is the test? The FAST assessments are administered in one session and typically take up to 90 minutes for 9th and 10th-grade students.
- How do I get the results? Results are available within 24 hours of a student completing the test. You can access your student’s scores through the Florida Family Portal or your school’s student/parent portal.
Other Important Assessments
In addition to the FAST program, students will take other key assessments that are part of Florida’s overall educational framework. These include:
- B.E.S.T. Writing Assessment: Students in grades 4–10 take a separate, standalone writing assessment each spring.
- End-of-Course (EOC) Exams: These computer-based exams are given at the end of the school year for specific high school courses. The EOC exams count for 30% of a student’s final course grade for the following subjects:
- Algebra 1
- Geometry
- Biology 1
- U.S. History
We will provide more information about the specific dates and schedules for all assessments soon. For more details on the B.E.S.T. standards and the FAST program, you can visit the official Florida Department of Education website.
COLLEGE BOARD
COLLEGE BOARD
College Board Exams: PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and AP
These exams are a key part of the college application process. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the different tests, your College Board account, and important resources.
It’s crucial to create and maintain only one College Board account. This single account will be used to register for all exams (PSAT, SAT, and AP), access your scores, and send them to colleges. If you have trouble logging in, please do not create a new account. Having multiple accounts can cause significant problems with test registrations and score reporting. If you can’t access your existing account, contact College Board directly for assistance.
The SAT is now a fully digital exam, administered on a computer or tablet. This new format is shorter and more streamlined than the previous paper-and-pencil version, taking about two hours to complete. Scores are also available much faster.
The PSAT/NMSQT is an excellent practice test for the SAT and offers several major benefits:
- Scholarships: It serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which offers a pathway to scholarships for high-achieving students. It also connects students to other scholarship opportunities.
- Personalized Practice: After taking the PSAT, students get a personalized study plan for the SAT, which is available through Khan Academy and is tailored to their individual strengths and weaknesses.
- College Readiness: The test provides a good sense of a student’s college readiness and can highlight their potential for success in college-level AP courses.
Our school offers a wide selection of AP courses to help students explore their interests and earn college credit while still in high school. These courses and their corresponding exams can give students a head start on their college major or career path and help them stand out on college applications.
Other College Entrance Exams
While the SAT is widely known, many colleges also accept other standardized tests for admission. We encourage students to research the requirements of the schools they are interested in to determine which exams are the best fit.
ACT (American College Testing)
The ACT is a nationally recognized college entrance exam that measures a high school student’s general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
- What’s on the test? The ACT is composed of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional Writing section, which some colleges may require.
- Why take it? Many colleges accept either the ACT or SAT, and some students may perform better on one over the other. The ACT’s Science section, in particular, appeals to students interested in STEM fields, as it assesses scientific reasoning and data analysis skills.
CLT (Classic Learning Test)
The CLT is a newer standardized test that is being accepted by a growing number of colleges. It is often an attractive option for students from classical, Christian, or homeschooling backgrounds.
- What’s on the test? The CLT is a two-hour online exam with three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar/Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning. It also includes an optional essay.
- Why take it? The CLT distinguishes itself by using passages from classic literature and historical texts, which can appeal to students who are strong in the humanities. Many colleges, especially those with a focus on a classical or liberal arts education, accept the CLT for admissions and scholarship eligibility.
Requesting Accommodations for College Entrance Exams
Each testing company (College Board, ACT, and CLT) has its own separate process for approving accommodations for students with disabilities. A formal school plan, such as an IEP or 504 Plan, does not automatically grant accommodations for these national exams. Eligibility for accommodations is determined by each individual company based on its own specific criteria.
To request accommodations, students should follow these steps:
- Students with a current IEP or 504 Plan: Please contact our school’s Testing Coordinator to initiate the request process. They will guide you through the necessary steps and paperwork to submit to the appropriate testing company.
- Students without a formal plan: If you do not have an IEP or 504 Plan but believe you may need accommodations, please speak with your academy counselor. They can help you determine the next steps and connect you with the appropriate resources.
We recommend starting this process well in advance of any exam registration deadlines, as approval can take several weeks.
Test-Taking Tips & Managing Test Anxiety
- Get a good night’s sleep: Encourage your student to get plenty of rest in the days leading up to an exam to improve focus and reduce stress.
- Eat a healthy breakfast: A nutritious meal on test day can help sustain energy and concentration.
- Practice mindfulness: Simple breathing exercises or visualization can help calm nerves and clear the mind before and during an exam.
- Don’t cram: Encourage consistent, spaced-out study sessions rather than last-minute cramming, which can increase anxiety.
- Positive self-talk: Remind your student to replace negative thoughts (“I’m not ready”) with positive affirmations (“I have prepared for this and can do my best”).
Official Study Resources
- College Board: The College Board website offers a wealth of free resources, including official digital practice tests, a question bank, and a partnership with Khan Academy for personalized SAT and PSAT preparation.
- ACT: The ACT website provides free practice tests and study guides. They also offer a variety of official prep resources to help students get familiar with the test format and content.
- CLT: The Classic Learning Test website provides free practice tests and study guides to help students familiarize themselves with the exam’s unique format and classical content.
By using these resources, students can feel more confident and prepared to achieve their best on test day.