fbpx

Florida Standards Assessment FAQs

We know you have questions about Gov. DeSantis’ recent announcement that the 2021-22 school year will be the last year of the Florida Standards Assessment. The most common questions we’ve received are below. 

When will the last FSA be administered?

The 2021-22 school year will be the last year for the Florida Standards Assessment.

What about other tests such as end-of-course exams?

The governor’s announcement was specific to the Florida Standards Assessment and does not appear to apply to end our course exams or the 5th and 8th grade statewide science assessment.

What will replace the FSA?

Most importantly, it is not being replaced with another end of year test. Instead, the FSA will be replaced with progress monitoring tests that will take place three times per year.

My district already does progress monitoring tests multiple times per year. Can we use what we are already using?

Current district-wide progress monitoring will be replaced with the newly created state-wide progress monitoring. While the FSA is going away, the A-F grading scale and other elements of the state’s accountability system are staying. Because the accountability system is largely staying in place, progress monitoring tests will have to be standardized statewide.

Isn’t this something that was just going to happen anyways? As we switch from the Florida Standards to the BEST Standards wasn’t the FSA bound to go away?

Yes and no. While it is true that the FSA would have to go away with the new standards, it is not being replaced with a big end of year test that students have been subjected to in Florida for decades now. If implemented correctly, using progress monitoring tests throughout the school year which takes up far less time and is much less disruptive is a big win for Florida’s students. This win is because of all the hard work that FEA, our locals and our members have done to advocate for a more sensible and less time-consuming testing system.

How will things like teacher evaluations and pay that are currently based on the FSA change?

There will need to be legislation in order to make the overhaul to the testing system that Gov. DeSantis has announced. As of yet, no such legislation has been filed. So, it is unclear how exactly the accountability system will look using progress monitoring tests instead of a big end of year test. Regardless of what the initial proposed legislation looks likes, FEA will continue to fight to ensure that that teacher evaluations and pay are not dependent on student test scores.

How can I make sure that my voice is heard in the conversations about the proposed legislation on testing and the accountability system?

It is vitally important that educators’ voices be heard as we go through this transition. Reach out to your local union to inquire about joining their work to influence your local legislators as this policy moves forward.

FEA files federal lawsuit against SB 256

As was announced today at a virtual press conference, the Florida Education Association (FEA) and three affiliated unions have filed a federal lawsuit against Senate Bill (SB) 256, which was…

Read more about FEA files federal lawsuit against SB 256

At governor’s bidding, House stands against working people

The Florida House sealed the deal. When it comes to the governor’s political ambitions versus working people, working people lose. Senate Bill (SB) 256, passed by the House today and…

Read more about At governor’s bidding, House stands against working people

NEA report: Florida’s teachers remain among nation’s worst paid

Despite Gov. DeSantis’ claims about educator salaries, Florida continues to rank 48th in the nation for average teacher pay, according to figures released this week by the National Education Association…

Read more about NEA report: Florida’s teachers remain among nation’s worst paid

FEA leadership: We stand united for our students

Let us say first, we are honored to lead this organization and to have you as a member.

Read more about FEA leadership: We stand united for our students

Help for kids who are hurting

Through Steve’s Club, Cori Lake Walls wants to ensure no grieving student goes unnoticed or unheard

Read more about Help for kids who are hurting

$1,200 worth of turkeys and a lot of love

Lakisha Ayers-White and her student volunteers provide supplies for Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings to dozens of union families

Read more about $1,200 worth of turkeys and a lot of love