State releases FAST test scores; see how students fared in math, reading, writing in 2024

Treasure Coast third graders fared better this year on statewide assessment tests, with more than half of them in Martin and Indian River counties scoring above grade level. Just under half of St. Lucie County third graders scored above grade level.

Overall, Treasure Coast students improved in math and reading on the new tests. Treasure Coast fifth graders improved in science averages. St. Lucie and Indian River county eighth graders improved overall in science, but Martin County eighth graders dropped slightly compared to last year.

The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking — or FAST — test scores, released Monday by the Florida Department of Education, showed progress students made throughout the school year as they mastered skills in English Language Arts, math, social studies and science. Scores from end-of-course exams in algebra, geometry and biology also were released.

"The assessment results released (Monday) highlight the tremendous progress we are making as a school system," Martin County school Superintendent Michael Maine said in a prepared statement. "This data is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, staff and supportive community.

"While we celebrate these successes, we remain laser-focused on our goal of becoming Florida's top-performing school system. We made significant strides toward that goal last school year," Maine said, "and we will continue to innovate, pursue excellence and ensure that every child is positioned to achieve their highest potential in the coming school year."

About 55% of Florida third graders scored at or above grade level — achieving a score of 3 or higher on a scale of 1-5, with 1 considered failing. Last year, the first year of the new assessment, 50% of the state's third graders scored at grade level.

In Indian River County, about 63% scored at or above grade level — an increase of 3 percentage points over last year's average of 60%. In Martin County, 55% scored at grade level, compared to 51% last year. In St. Lucie, 49% scored at or above grade level. St. Lucie students improved 7 percentage points from their 42% scoring at grade level in 2023.

"Overall, we are very pleased with the gains made by our students this year," St. Lucie schools Superintendent Jon Prince said in a prepared statement. St. Lucie students improved in all tested areas, 5% increases in math and reading across all grade levels.

"I am proud of these improvements, which exceeded our expectations, and I want to recognize and thank our students and staff for their diligence and hard work," he said.

Indian River County district officials also were pleased with student performance.

“For the second year in a row, the (district) realized unprecedented levels of success and growth," Superintendent David Moore said in a prepared statement. "Results of our spring assessments eclipsed the phenomenal results (the district) experienced last year, exceeding state results in all content areas and matching state performance in civics.   I am incredibly proud of our students, teachers and staff for their hard work and dedication. These results reflect our commitment to academic excellence and the success of every student in our district."

Florida students moved from the Florida Standards Assessment, or FSA, to FAST in 2022. The new assessment tool is a three-pronged testing approach that educators claim helps teachers focus on individual student strengths and weaknesses early, then tailor instruction in reading and math throughout the year.

New Florida test scores show students progress, but half below grade level in reading

In addition to determining whether some students move to the next grade, test scores determine school grades. Because last year was considered a baseline year, student learning gains were not part of the formula.

More: Indian River school district gets an A in state rankings; St. Lucie, Martin score B grades

Scores for each subject and grade level are posted on the Florida Department of Education's FAST page, by district and school averages.

Colleen Wixon is the education reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers. Contact her at colleen.wixon@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: State releases FAST test scores; see how students fared in math, reading, writing in 2024