Testing Guidelines

Please review the following policies with your student before testing:

• Electronic Devices Policy—Students are NOT permitted to have any electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, smart glasses, tablets, smartwatches, and cameras at any time during testing or during breaks (e.g., restroom), even if they are turned off or students do not use them. Students may not wear smart glasses during statewide testing, even if they are prescription glasses. Students with prescription smart glasses will need to remove them or test another day with standard glasses. If a student is found with an electronic device or is found using Bluetooth/wireless headphones/earbuds during testing, his or her test will be invalidated (will not be scored). For information regarding limited exceptions for students with eligible accommodations, see the 2025–2026 Statewide Assessments Accommodations Guide.
   
• Calculator PolicyPolicy—
  • For the computer-based B.E.S.T. Algebra 1 and Geometry EOC tests and Grades 7–8 FAST Mathematics, a handheld scientific calculator may be used.
  • For the computer-based Biology 1 EOC, Grade 6 FAST Mathematics, and Grade 8 Statewide Science, a handheld four-function calculator may be used.
  • For paper-based administrations of Biology 1EOC, Grade 6 FAST Mathematics, and Grade 8 Statewide Science, a handheld four-function calculator must be used.
  • For paper-based administrations of B.E.S.T. Algebra 1 and Geometry EOCs and Grades 7–8 FAST Mathematics, a handheld scientific calculator must be used.
  • For the computer-based and paper-based Grades 3-5 FAST Mathematics assessments calculators are not permitted.
  • Schools must ensure that handheld calculators meet the specifications published by FDOE.
    -The following four-function calculators are approved: Texas Instruments TI-108, Casio HS-4G, and Sharp EL233SB
    -The following scientific calculators are approved:  Texas Instruments TI-30XA, Casio fx-260 solar, Casio fx-82 solar, Shar EL-510R, and Sharp EL-510RN.
    -Students may not use a handheld calculator that has any of the following prohibited functionalities (graphing, CAS, matrices, regression capabilities, a table, etc.)
     
• Testing Rules Acknowledgment—All tests include a Testing Rules Acknowledgment that reads:
  “I understand the testing rules that were just read to me. If I do not follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated.” Prior to testing, test administrators read the rules to students, and students acknowledge that they understand the testing rules by clicking a checkbox beside the statement in the secure browser or signing below the statement in their test documents.
   
• Discussing Test Content after Testing—The last portion of the testing rules read to students before they affirm the Testing Rules Acknowledgment states that because the content of all statewide assessments is secure, students may not discuss or reveal details about the test content (including test items, responses, passages, and prompts) after the test. Please make sure that students understand 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 IndependentlyIndependently—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 (will not be scored).
   
• Testing Irregularities—In the event a testing irregularity occurs in a student’s testing room, as part of a school investigation, students may be asked questions to provide clarification of the incident. In addition, a student may be required to retake the assessment if a suspected irregularity is reported that may affect the validity of the test results.
   
• Extra Time—Any student still working at the end of the allotted time for the session should be provided extra time, as allowed for each assessment, to complete the test. However, according to directions from the district, students who are not actively working (e.g., sleeping) at the end of regular time may be dismissed rather than being provided with extra time.
   
• Testing Accommodations—If your student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a Section 504 Plan, or is an English Language Learner (ELL), please contact the school to discuss the testing accommodations that will be provided for your student.  For more information pertaining to accommodations, please refer to the 2025–2026 Statewide Assessments Accommodations Guide.