Standardized Test Prep in Florida
FLDOE uses American Institutes for Research (AIR) assessments to evaluate student’s performance in English literature, math, composition, science, and more. Florida’s standardized testing received an overhaul in the last five years. The tests are part of the Florida Statewide Assessment (FSA) program.
On this page, you will discover information about the Florida state tests, including the types of tests required, testing dates, and the grade levels targeted. You’ll also learn how you can help your child with Florida standardized test practice.
Which State Tests Are Available in Florida?
Florida requires public school students to take a variety of annual academic assessments. These include testing in the subjects of language arts, math, science, among others.
Below are the primary Florida state test options your student will encounter.
- ELA and Math FSA – For grades 3-10, Florida public school students are required to take the ELA FSA, assessing English language arts skills. Math FSA assessments are given to students in grades 3-8. Students are also given End-of-Course (EOC) assessments for algebra and geometry.
- Statewide Science Assessment – Florida public school students in grades 5 and 8 are required to take the Statewide Science Assessment to measure their knowledge of basic science information.
- End-of-Course Assessments – Students taking biology, U.S. History, Civics (or equivalent course) must take an EOC assessment to measure the mastery of the material in Florida public schools.
- ACCESS for ELLs – Florida uses ACCESS for ELLs for students with a primary language other than English. The assessment is given to those students demonstrating a need for English language support. This assessment monitors progress in four areas: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. English language assessment and support is offered to Florida public school students in grades K-12.
- Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS) – All Florida kindergarten students are given the Star Early Literacy Assessment. Students are assessed on a variety of criteria measuring their readiness for school.
- Florida Standards Alternate Assessment (FSAA) – Students with significant cognitive disabilities are given alternate assessments, if necessary. Call your local school district for more information.
Florida does not allow parents to opt out of state standardized testing. Testing modifications are available for students when an Individualized Education Plan is in place.
When is Standardized Testing in Florida?
Standardized testing dates in Florida vary. For approximate dates around Florida’s standardized testing, see below. Contact your local school district for specific dates.
- ELA and Math FSA – Spring
- Statewide Science Assessment – May
- End-of-Course Assessments – Varies
- ACCESS for ELLS – Testing is usually done in January and February.
- Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS) – Summer and Fall
- Florida Standards Alternate Assessment (FSAA) – Varies
Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in Florida?
According to Florida state homeschooling laws, homeschoolers are required to give their children annual educational evaluations in Florida. Some parents may choose standardized testing for these evaluations.
The FLDOE, however, offers homeschoolers a number of options for these annual evaluations:
- Any Florida-certified teacher chosen by the parent may evaluate the student’s homeschool portfolio.
- Or, a homeschool student any nationally-normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher.
- Or, homeschool students may join public schools students and take the Florida state assessment test by contacting their public school district.
- In addition, parents may choose to have their homeschooler evaluated by a psychologist.
- Finally, homeschooling parents and the local school district superintendent may agree upon a form of evaluation to measure a student’s academic progress.
If your aim is to send your child back to a traditional school at some point, discuss testing with your local school district. Placement tests may be necessary to determine a grade level.
How Time4Learning Can Help With Florida Test Prep
Time4Learning is a useful and convenient online curriculum that you can leverage to help prepare your students for Florida standardized testing. Many families in the state use Time4Learning as a supplemental learning tool to help reduce testing anxiety.
Here are just some of the ways that Time4Learning can help your child with test prep:
- Time4MathFacts, a game-based program focused on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, is part of our comprehensive math curriculum to help students build math fact fluency. These fundamental skills allow students to gain test-taking confidence early on.
- Our language arts curriculum includes dozens of interactive lessons and supplemental materials to help boost their understanding of the subject (including reading, composition, and writing).
- Our science curriculum delivers dozens of lessons to help your child gain knowledge of scientific information. These lessons are perfect practice for the Statewide Science Assessment.
- Our award-winning PreK curriculum provides the foundation young learners need to become kindergarten ready.
- The convenience of no strict schedules allow students to begin preparing for Florida’s standardized tests at anytime — over the summer, on weekends, etc.
- Ability to redo lessons and retake tests and quizzes help Florida students nail down challenging test subjects and topics.
- As an IBCCES Certified Autism Resource, students with special needs also benefit from our program.
Through preparation and practice, your child can achieve successful results when taking standardized tests in Florida. In addition, skill-building programs like Time4Learning can prepare your child and build their confidence before they walk in the door.
My kids continue to excel with this program
By Jennifer
“Each year, they pass their independent standardized test with flying colors!”
