FAST testing for students prompts questions, concerns from some parents
MIAMI -- The state last year began a process to overhaul the testing process for elementary, middle and high school students.
The change meant no more FSA testing, and in its place youngsters are taking the The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, or FAST, test.
CBS News Miami spoke recently to members of Broward's PTA about the new tests and other issues on their minds.
Sharon Pazlowski, president of the Broward Council of PTAs, said: "The PTA's position is we want less testing. We want more classroom instruction."
Last year, 17,000 Broward parents were part of the PTA, and Pazlowski says the number keeps growing.
"And the good news is the number is growing," she said. "I think they are looking to be even more active as COVID is a little behind us. Our mission for the PTA is for every child to reach their true potential and to advocate for all our children."
Parent Saba Aamir says as classes ramp up, mental health should be at the forefront.
"I think the first thing is accepting my child needs help even for kids to accept i need help," she said. "Coming out of COVID a lot of kids became reclusive (and) they drew into themselves and it's gonna take a lot for them to feel safe enough not just physically but
mentally."
Parent Cornelia Watson began homeschooling her three kids when the COVID pandemic began.
"They have to be tested by a Broward County certified teacher," she said.
Watson and the other parents said they have questions about the new state testing which began last year.
Under the FAST assessment, which measures students' reading and math skills, achievement levels range from 1 to 5, with Level 1 considered inadequate and Level 5 considered the highest achievement level.
The test is given three times a year, providing teachers with immediate data on how students are doing and which ones may need more help.
Said Watson: "Yes, they are being tested but what happens? Is it going to hold them back? Is it going to push them forward?"
"The PTA position is we want less testing," Pazlowski said. "We want more regular classroom instruction. It shouldn't just be about a test."
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