Flag on the Play! Proceed with Caution When Flagging on the FAST
Flag on the Play! Proceed with Caution When Flagging on the FAST
November 10, 2023|Education, Florida, B.E.S.T. Standards, Testing
Insights into Cambium's FAST: Navigating the Adaptive Landscape
Florida educators, are you familiar with the intricacies of Cambium FAST Tests and how student testing strategies can impact their scores? You know the test is adaptive, but what does that mean when a student goes back to a previously answered question? Time to call a timeout and learn more about the rules of the F.A.S.T. game.
Understanding the Adaptive Nature of Cambium FAST Tests
Cambium FAST Tests operate on an adaptive model, dynamically adjusting question difficulty based on student performance. Get a question wrong, and the subsequent ones tend to be easier; get it right, and the difficulty level increases. Sounds straightforward, right? But here's the catch – the adaptive nature doesn't extend to flagged or revisited questions.
REVISED: Reading operates differently from math due to the text sets (passage(s) and connected questions). Consider a text set with 2 passages and 9 associated questions. A student is able to review all 9 questions and answer them in any order, yet they must complete all 9 before moving forward to the next text set. Their performance on these 9 questions influences the difficulty levels in the subsequent text set. I hope this clarifies the process and dispels any confusion!
The Challenge of Revisiting Questions
Imagine a scenario where a student rushes through the test, making educated guesses. Later, they decide to revisit flagged questions, changing their answers for the better. While commendable, the test won't readapt subsequent questions. This means that even with a higher percentage of correct answers on the second attempt, they might still be stuck with a majority of lower-level questions, affecting their overall proficiency score.
Strategies for Success
How can educators leverage this information to support their students effectively?
1. Encourage Best Efforts on Each Question: Emphasize the importance of thoughtful consideration for every question during the initial pass. Remind students that the adaptive nature can work in their favor if they take the time to engage with the questions initially.
2. Teach Time Management and Self-Awareness: Equip students with time management skills to prevent prolonged contemplation on a single question. If frustration sets in, advise them to make their best guess and move forward, assuring them that a wrong answer won't hinder their progress.
3. Avoid Rushing Through the First Pass: Discourage the notion that the first pass is a mere formality. Rushing through initially and planning to revisit questions later may not yield the desired outcome. Emphasize the importance of a balanced and thoughtful approach from the start.
In conclusion, understanding the dynamics of Cambium FAST Tests empowers educators to guide students toward effective strategies, maximizing their potential for success. When we foster a culture of thoughtful engagement, we ensure that each student's journey through these adaptive tests is a step toward proficiency and growth.
Additional Resources and Insights
For a deeper dive into this topic, check out the TikTok video we created during the FCTM conference: TikTok Link
Explore the slide deck from the FOIL conference for comprehensive insights: FOIL Conference Slide Deck
SUBSCRIBE to future posts and other Uncomplicate Ed info.
Share this post:
