Students will be allowed to take the FAST assessments at home using the same online testing system that teachers and students use to administer the statewide assessments in the classroom for the Fall and Winter progress monitoring windows.

Students will be able to access the Student Interface using the Cambium Assessment, Inc. (CAI) secure browser on any device that meets Florida’s testing requirements.

Teachers will be able to view the students' testing, broadcast chat messages to students during a test session, and students can respond by sending chat messages back to their teacher. 

In all situations, teachers and students will not be asked to share any personally identifiable information other than what they would share in an ordinary test session in a classroom.

The FAST assessments are secure assessments. You may not discuss or reveal details about the test content (including test items, passages, and prompts) after the assessment. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting to social media sites. 

In order to successfully complete remote testing, students should have the following items:

• a device that will support FAST assessments

• Students can use most modern desktops
  or laptops running most versions of Windows,
  macOS, Ubuntu, Fedora, or Chrome OS.

  • Chromebooks require a special program
    that does not come standard on all
    devices and may require a fee to purchase.

• a working web camera

• a strong internet connection

1. Students must download and use the latest secure browser to take a FAST assessment.

• Directions to Install the Secure Browser

• Link to Secure Browser Download Page

2.  Complete an audio and video check on the student device.

• Directions to complete the audio and video checks

• Please note that students will not be able to test remotely without a working webcam turned on and showing the student.

3.  Check to ensure that you have an adequate internet connection.

• Directions to confirm your Internet connection

4.  Complete and return your FAST remote agreement

• FAST Remote Testing Agreement

• Email your completed FAST remote agreement to Email Danielle Gee no later than 48 hours prior to remote testing date. 

Once all steps are complete, further testing information such as date, time and procedure will be emailed to the students and parents.

For more information about the FAST and other Florida assessments, please visit the portal at Florida Statewide Assessments Portal.

FLDOE Student Testing Policies apply to students testing remotely as well as in-person.

Please review the following policies with your student before testing: 

• Electronic Devices—Students are not permitted to have any electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, and smartwatches, at any time during testing or during breaks (e.g., restroom), even if the devices are turned off or students do not use them. If your student is found with an electronic device or is found using Bluetooth/wireless headphones/earbuds during testing, his or her test will be invalidated.

  
  

• Testing Rules Acknowledgment—All tests include a Testing Rules Acknowledgment printed in the student’s test and response book that reads: “I understand the testing rules that were just read to me. If I do not follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated.” Prior to testing, test administrators read the rules to students, and students acknowledge that they understand the testing rules by signing below the statement in their test and response books.

  
  

• Discussing Test Content after Testing—The last portion of the testing rules read to students before they sign below the Testing Rules Acknowledgment states that because the content of all statewide assessments is secure, students may not discuss or reveal details about the test content (including test items and passages) after the test. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting to social media sites. Please make sure your student understands this policy prior to testing and remind them that “discussing” test content includes any kind of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, posting to social media, or sharing online. While students may not share information about secure test content after testing, this policy is not intended to prevent students from discussing their testing experiences with their parents/families.

  
  

• Working Independently—Students are responsible for doing their own work during the test and for protecting their answers from being seen by others. If students are caught cheating during testing, their tests will be invalidated.

  
  

• Leaving Testing—If your student leaves testing before completing a test (e.g., for lunch, an appointment), he or she will not be allowed to return to that test. If your student does not feel well on the day of testing, it may be best for him or her to wait and be tested on a make-up day. Please remember not to schedule appointments on testing days.