Central Florida students taking final FSA tests before state adopts progress monitoring

Thousands of Central Florida students are diving into Florida Standards Assessments testing for the very last time, but its not the end of standardized testing.

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Florida rolled out FSA testing in 2016. In March, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed off on doing away with it for the next school year. It was replaced with progress monitoring exams. DeSantis said the FSA only gave students feedback at the end of the year.

For now, students still must undergo FSA testing for this school year. Exams started Monday and run through May 27.

Some parents told Channel 9 they didn’t know that more exams will take its place.

READ: Gov. DeSantis eliminates FSA in all Florida public schools

Jennifer Muntean said when her son prepares for a test, she feels as if she’s studying, too. Her fourth-grade son is taking his last FSA exam Thursday.

“I feel like the teachers — if they’re doing their jobs, which most of them are — they should already know how your kid is doing,” Muntean said. “You don’t need a test to tell you that.”

With progress monitoring, students will take three tests a year.

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With the FSA, testing monitors were required, and a mix of computer and paper tests were allowed.

Some parents said they didn’t know the change would include more testing.

Johanna Signori learned about the change from Channel 9.

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“I think it’s good,” she said. “I grew up like this. We’re from Europe, so we grew up like this. And honestly, I mean, we survived.”

The testing department said the progress monitoring test is expected 30 days after school starts, and will be completely electronic.

Video: Gov. DeSantis eliminates FSA in all Florida public schools

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