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• aReading and aMath - don't use Firefox browser
• earlyReading - Word Segmenting
• earlyMath - Numeral Identificaton
• aMath
• CBMComp: Comprehension Questions
• Progress Monitoring assessments and materials

General note on assessment administration instructions

In response to user feedback regarding assessment directions FastBridge in the process of updating and releasing new publications to provider further clarity and consistency to the assessment instructions. While they do not have an ETA for completion, you may check the FASTBridge Release Hub to stay current with new features as they become released.

aReading and aMath - don't use Firefox browser

FastBridge has confirmed that Firefox is not a recommended browser. Users will likely experience inability to access some of the functions (such as the pause button) within assessments like aReading and aMath. The system requirements documentation and the diagnostic tool provided by FastBridge have not yet been updated.

earlyReading - Word Segmenting

The directions for Word Segmentation scoring in the FastBridge earlyReading test have been clarified, but not all of the references to the scoring rules are updated yet in the FastBridge materials. The correct directions can be found in the Administrator materials for Progress Monitoring, which are available under Downloads on the Training & Resources tab in FastBridge. Currently the PM directions are correct, but the screening directions are not. The key clarification in the directions is that the score is based on the correct number of phonemes isolated. Blends do not count as correct. In other words, /bl/ is not correct, but /b/ /l/ would be counted as two sounds. Some of the directions have an incorrect scoring example for the word “block” but the Administrator materials have been updated.

earlyMath - Numeral Identification

The administration instructions are a bit ambiguous about whether to stop the timer on a discontinue (see screenshot below). According to FastBridge, if an assessment is discontinued, the timer should be stopped. The student may receive a prorated score based on the responses answered fully and correctly compared to the elapsed time.

aMath

There is an intermittent issue with the scoring algorithm, particularly for advanced learners. FastBridge is investigating options for a resolution but it will take time to run the simulations and implement it in the system. Common characteristics that identify the scoring issues for advanced learners are:

• the score is flagged and the additional questions do not resolve the flag
• a large decrease in score from the previous window
• learners are 'stuck' on easier questions
• the reported score falls below 180 and is unexpectedly low for the learner

If a student's score is significantly discrepant from what would be expected based on classroom performance and other assessments, please submit a support ticket with the student's name, grade, building and the suspected issue.

CBMReading and CBMComp

CBMReading - Grade 5, Form 2, 3rd paragraph

Student passage in materials says, "...and they acted just like crazy monkeys,"

Assessment administration page (teacher's screen) says, "...and they were very silly and loud."

This is not an error. Both the administration page AND student/administrator materials were updated over the summer. The "silly and loud" version is correct. If the printed materials you're using say 'crazy monkeys' please download the updated CBMReading materials from Training and Resources in FastBridge.

Note: The CBM COMP administrator materials have not been updated to the 'silly and loud' version. Please use the updated student copy from the CBMReading materials.

CBMComp: Comprehension Questions Kate & Spot

Apostrophes displaying as question marks on administration screen for CBMComp comprehension questions. See screenshot below for an example.

Issues with Progress Monitoring Materials, Instructions and Assessments

Sight Words 150 - form 19

Student materials contain an extra row of words that are not reflected on the assessment in FastBridge. The first row on the form is the extra.