Students taking the FSA Mathematics assessment are evaluated against “Mathematical Practices,” which are also known as the Mathematics Florida Standards (MAFS). These eight practices are only applicable to FSA Mathematics students. Students in any grade will be examined against the same set of criteria in any mathematics end-of-course (EOC) assessment, such as Algebra 1, Algebra 2, or Geometry. Students who have taken an EOC mathematics course, on the other hand, must take the equivalent EOC assessment rather than the grade-specific MAFS assessment.
The Mathematics Assessment Frameworks for Teachers (MAF) are occupational skill standards found on pages 33-34 of the Florida Standards. The student assessment is based on the MAFS and aligned to the MAFs in a way that is designed to promote teaching to the standards while allowing students to demonstrate mastery of these skills.
To begin with, encourage your child to pay attention in class throughout the year and to ask questions about homework and classwork as needed. The math curriculum should adhere to the specific requirements and skills that will be assessed on the FSA. Practice is another incredibly useful method. Work on practice questions and at least 2-3 full-length practice tests with your kid. Our FSA Practice Test should be a good place to start.
The FSA Mathematics practice tests will have different levels of difficulty, which are designated on the tests. These include EOC, Alternative, Advanced, and Master. The levels on the practice test will be consistent with the level of difficulty on the FSA Test.
Each math question has a hidden answer key to help your student get an accurate score for each correct answer. Every question can be found online if your child needs extra help. The Mathematics Florida Standards outline specific problems and skills that must be addressed in EOC assessments across grades three through eight to understand what students should know and how they should demonstrate it during end-of-course assessments and during grade repetition testing in middle school and high school.
Failure to pass the FSA tests does not automatically mean that students will not advance to the next grade level in school, as the exams are used as assessment tools. In order to graduate from high school in Florida, students must earn a level 3 on both the algebra and geometry exams. The percentage of the high school population earning an AA or A in mathematics on FSA math assessments is very small, at approximately 1% for each grade. These growth tests are not required by state law, but are an important part of Florida high school graduation requirements and should be taken seriously as a final examination.
Students in Florida who fail a test must repeat it. They do not have to retake the test if they can demonstrate that they mastered what they missed in time to pass the FSA mathematics tests at level 3. They will almost certainly have to do extra work outside of class and in their own time. However, following the teacher’s recommendations is still worthwhile.
It is important for parents and students alike to understand the requirements of the FSA test and how it can affect a child’s future career path or their ability to graduate from high school in Florida. Study guides can be very helpful in this situation, making sure that your child fully understands each question that they may encounter on the FSA mathematics test.