2019-2020 Norms and Benchmarks Update from FAST

What has changed?

The developer of the FAST assessment measures has updated their norms and benchmarks. These updates go into practice starting fall of 2019.


Why the update?
Norms and benchmarks were updated to more accurately represent national performance. This was done by using their available user data to more closely represent the national school population based on gender, race/ethnicity, and socio-economic status. More closely matching national demographics will increase assessment accuracy across the range of abilities (e.g., struggling students, high performing students). This update is also intended to increase norm and benchmark stability, leading to less frequent updates in the future.




What should we expect?
Adjustment to fall, winter, and spring benchmarks for FAST measures including: earlyReading, earlyMath, CBMreading, aReading, and select math measures. Generally, the “High Risk” benchmarks lowered somewhat (i.e., fewer students identified as “High-Risk”) with “Some-Risk” benchmarks varying slightly, depending on the measure and screening window. There will also be adjustments to default growth rates that auto-populate when setting up progress monitoring graphs.


What do we need to do?
Little, really. Updates will occur automatically within the FAST system. While no action is needed from schools, it will be helpful to be aware of the adjustments. The new benchmarks and norms can be found in the “Training & Resources” tab in the FAST system.


What does this mean for use and practice?
While fewer students may be identified as at risk, coaching should continue for the purpose and intent of screening and monitoring–which is always to increase student outcomes. Schools should continue to expect high levels of achievement for all learners and limit the temptation of interpreting the adjustment (i.e., some measures with slightly lower national benchmarks) as permission to loosen local expectations of high student achievement.


Where can we learn more about the updates?
FAST released a video, which includes a segment (i.e., from 3:24 to 16:30) that addresses the changes. Please note that schools are not required to watch this video, it is simply additional information for those who would like additional explanation directly from the FAST team. To watch the video recording from a FAST statistician, click on the link above and enter an email to “register.” This will allow you to view the recording.



In addition, a Technical Report is expected late summer to describe the process in even greater detail.