Dear Friends,
Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, Florida’s statewide standardized assessments in Reading, Writing and Mathematics were aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.). The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) is administered as a progress monitoring assessment. It includes VPK through grade 10 Reading and VPK through grade 8 Mathematics assessments. Students across the state of Florida participate in these assessments three times per year.
The usage of standardized testing is often inundated with criticism. However, results from state assessments provide a useful view that allow districts to make decisions that impact schools and their ability to enhance student learning outcomes. The statistical analysis of FAST testing data delivers insights that inform decision making aligned with Jefferson County School District’s goals, objectives and initiatives. This informed decision making allows us to better serve our students’ educational needs.
Yet, the true test for Jefferson lies in our efforts to change the trajectory of our schools’ performance from the past two decades. In May, the final phase of testing will take place. It is going to take our special Tiger Tenacity and the power of perseverance to achieve a mindset conducive to growth and change. All stakeholders in our community must ask themselves how we can connect to what is vital for school improvement.
I highly recommend that parents develop a partnership with their child’s teachers and members of the school staff throughout the school year. By getting involved, parents can remain informed and better support their child academically. Good school attendance is essential. School attendance is a formidable predictor of positive student outcomes.
Collectively we can cultivate every student’s learning experience by exuding Tiger Tenacity with actionable feedback that produces positive results. As always, I welcome your input and ideas.
Please reach out to my Executive Assistant, Taryn Bellflower, with your questions and concerns at tbellflower@jeffersonschools.net.
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