Braden River Middle School Honors 7th Grader for Perfect FAST Scores in Reading and Math
Braden River Middle School has recognized a 7th-grade student, Lucas, for achieving perfect scores in both reading and mathematics on the FAST assessments. Principal Kimberlain Zenon emphasized the school’s guiding principle, “Panthers believe, Panthers achieve,” in marking Lucas’s exceptional accomplishment.
What Is the FAST Assessment
FAST stands for Florida Assessment of Student Thinking. It is a set of statewide, standardized tests administered in Florida to measure student progress in English Language Arts (reading) and mathematics. These tests are aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) standards.
FAST serves as a progress monitoring tool, given three times per year: early, mid, and late in the school year. The three administrations are commonly referred to as PM1, PM2, and PM3. These provide baseline, mid-year, and end-of-year measurements of student proficiency.
Tests are computer-based and adaptive; they adjust in difficulty based on student responses. Performance is categorized into achievement levels that help educators identify whether students are meeting grade-level expectations or need additional support.
Significance of Lucas’s Perfect Scores
Earning perfect scores in both reading and mathematics on FAST is rare and indicates complete mastery of the material tested under the B.E.S.T. standards for his grade level. Lucas’s achievement reflects not only individual diligence but also the support and instruction provided by Braden River Middle School. Administrators and faculty see such results as reinforcing the school’s culture of high expectations and continuous growth under the motto “Panthers believe, Panthers achieve.”
Looking Ahead
The FAST assessments will continue to play a central role in tracking student progress throughout Florida. Schools will use the data to guide instruction, identify where students may need extra help, and ensure that students are prepared for success in future grades.
