Testing & Assessments

District tests in reading and math used for measurement of proficiency and growth.

• Grades K & 1, earlyReading and earlyMath (estimated time: 18-22): In Kindergarten and Grade 1, teachers administer the assessments to students one at a time. 
• Grades 2-8: FASTtrack Reading and FASTtrack Math (estimated time: 32-52 minutes): FASTtrack Reading and FASTtrack Math are bundles of smaller assessments depending on grade level. In grades 2 and 3, teachers administer the CBMreading English to students one at a time. In grades 4-8, teachers administer AUTOreading, a computer-based subtest on their grade level. In all grades 2-8, teachers administer aReading and aMath, the computer-based adaptive assessments in their classrooms.
• Grade 9: aReading and aMath (estimated time: 20-40 minutes): In grade 9, teachers administer the computer-based adaptive assessments in their classrooms.

FastBridge is a Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST) used to measure student learning over time. All students in grade Kindergarten through 9th grade participate in taking FastBridge mathematics and reading assessments fall, winter, and spring. 

The screenings provide measures of growth over time, and provide information for instructional planning. The test results are test-specific benchmarks that indicate the student’s risk of performing below the end of the year grade level target. The results are high risk, some risk, low risk, and met target* (*not available for EarlyReading).

Understanding your child’s score:

FastBridge Scores are reported with the results listed below. These results help teachers understand which students need additional instruction to meet grade level standards. There is a correlation between FastBridge and MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments), but it is not perfect. This is only one measure of your student’s progress and teachers use multiple measures to understand their students’ learning.

• Met Target**: Students scoring at this level have demonstrated understanding of the grade level content. 
• Low Risk: Students scoring at this level are at low risk of being below grade level at the end of the year.
• Some Risk: Students at this level are at some risk of being below grade level at the end of the year.
• High Risk: Students at this level are at high risk of being below grade level at the end of the year.

**Please note Mat Target is not a result for earlyReading and earlyMath. Results are limited to Low Risk, Some Risk, or High Risk.

Below you can read more information from FastBridge about the earlyReading Subtests.

National norm-referenced assessment in reading, math, English, and science. Offer grade 11 students a chance to enter the competition for National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs. Estimated time: 2 hours and 45 minutes.

ACT with Writing: Results used for college entrance and planning. Estimated time: 3 hours and 35 minutes

Advanced Placement (AP): A program in the United States and Canada created by the College Board which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations. AP tests are generally between two and three hours long, though most are closer to three hours. There is one break that separates the test into two sections.