Assessments
Testing Policies
If you have any questions related to BTES test administration, please contact Vickie Kandour, at kandourv@flaglerschools.com.
Star Early Literacy Assessments: Grade K-2
K–2nd Grade Students
The Star Early Literacy assessment typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete. The Star Reading assessment is usually completed in less than 20 minutes, and the Star Math assessment typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
Statewide Science Assessment: Grade 5
The Statewide Science Assessment measures 5th-grade student achievement of Florida’s State Academic Standards in Science. The Statewide Science Assessment consists of two 80-minute paper-based test sessions administered over two days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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English/language arts for grades VPK–10, mathematics for grades VPK–8, and science in grades 5 and 8. The following courses have an end-of-course state-based exam: Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology 1, Civics, and United States History. All other areas, subjects, and grades are the responsibility of Flagler Schools to assess student learning per s. 1008.22 (6)(a).
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The purpose of these state-required assessments is to measure student achievement of Florida’s adopted curriculum standards and benchmarks.
They are used for various purposes, such as:
- Third grade retention
- Meeting certain requirements for a high school standard diploma and Scholar designation
- A component of course final grade if the class has a required state end-of-course (EOC) exam
- School and district accountability
- Credit Acceleration Program (CAP)
- Schoolwide Improvement Plans (SIP)
- School, district, state, and federal reporting
- Student progress monitoring
There are other state assessments that diagnose, screen, or progress monitor the following:
- English language acquisition of identified English-Language Learners (ELLs)
- English language acquisition of ELLs with significant cognitive disabilities
- General estimates of students’ reading ability or meeting grade-level skills in reading
- Readiness for kindergarten
- Student performance for comparison among state, national, and international populations over time
- Assisting with student course placement
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The amount of time each test has allotted varies by grade level, subject, and student-specific accommodations. A school district may not schedule more than five percent of a student’s total school hours in a school year to administer statewide, standardized assessments or district-required local assessments, s.1008.22 4(3) (e), F.S.
The five percent test administration limit for a student may be exceeded as needed to provide test accommodations that are required by an IEP or are appropriate for an English language learner who is currently receiving services in a program operated in accordance with an approved English language learner district plan pursuant to s. 1003.56.
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Some tests are given once per year while others are offered multiple times per year. For end-of-course exams, students do not have to sit for successive administrations if they earn a passing score. For more information, please see the testing schedules.
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In general, Florida Statute 1008.22—Student Assessment Programs for Public Schools—is the overarching authority that requires these assessments be administered to the intended students.
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By statute s. 1008.22 (7) (a), F.S., statewide standardized assessment results must be made available no later than June 30, except for results for the grade 3 statewide standardized ELA assessments, which must be made available no later than May 31, unless the commission determines that extenuating circumstances exist concerning the release of the statewide assessment results and report the circumstances to the State Board of Education.
Pursuant to s.1008.22 4(3) (h), F.S., Flagler Schools must provide a student’s performance results on district-required monitoring assessments to the student’s parents no later than 30 days after administering such assessments, unless the superintendent determines in writing that extenuating circumstances exist and reports the circumstances to the Flagler School Board.
Testing Policies
Flagler Schools students must adhere to the following testing policies as set by the Florida Department of Education.
Electronic Devices
Students are not permitted to have any electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cellphones, smartphones, smart glasses, and smartwatches, at any time during testing or during breaks (e.g., restroom), even if the devices are turned off or students do not use them. If your student is found with an electronic device or is found using Bluetooth/wireless headphones/earbuds during testing, his or her test will be invalidated.
Calculators
Calculators are permitted on some assessments and NOT others. Check with your Test Administrator for additional information.
Testing Rules Acknowledgment
All tests include a Testing Rules Acknowledgement. Prior to testing, test administrators read the rules to students, and students acknowledge that they understand the testing rules by clicking the box in the secure browser indicating they understand the testing rules.
Discussing Test Content After Testing
The last portion of the testing rules read to students before they sign below the Testing Rules Acknowledgment states: “Because the content in all statewide assessments is secure, you may not discuss or reveal details about the test content (including test items and passages) after the test. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting to social media sites.”
Please make sure your student understands this policy prior to testing and remind them that “discussing” test content includes any kind of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, posting to social media, or sharing online. While students may not share information about secure test content after testing, this policy is not intended to prevent students from discussing their testing experiences with their parents/families.
Working Independently
Students are responsible for doing their own work during the test and for protecting their answers from being seen by others. If students are caught cheating during testing, their tests will be invalidated.
Leaving Campus
If your student leaves campus before completing a test session (e.g., for lunch or an appointment), he or she will not be allowed to return to that test session. If your student does not feel well on the day of testing, it may be best for them to wait and be tested on a makeup day. Please remember to not schedule appointments on testing days.
Testing Accommodations
If your student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or is an English Language Learner (ELL) or a recently exited ELL, please contact the school to discuss the testing accommodations that will be provided for your student.
Testing Irregularities
In the event a testing irregularity occurs in your student's testing room, as part of a school investigation, your student may be asked questions to provide clarification of the incident. In addition, your student may be required to retake the assessment if a suspected irregularity is reported that may affect the validity of the test results.
View additional policies for Home Education, PEP, and private school students.