FYI: Update on FASTBridge Learning System: Iowa’s New Data System for K-6 Literacy

From the Iowa Department of Education:

As you know, the State of Iowa is transitioning to a new statewide data system for K-6 literacy through FASTBridge Learning. To help school districts prepare, comprehensive training will be provided beginning July 25 through the end of October consisting of webinars followed by regional face-to-face trainings. Because this training is critical to successful implementation of the new data system, the Departments asks for your support in ensuring districts’ full participation.

Participating in all parts of the training is necessary, particularly because we will be implementing a “train-the-trainer” model and participants will be expected to train users locally. Although some elements of the new data system will be familiar – such as the test administration view, the automatic flow of data from the student information system to the FASTBridge system and a ticketing system for technical support – there are many new and different features in the system and in some of the tests. Also, the login and navigation experiences are different, and users will not be able to make the transition to the new system without the information presented in these training sessions.

The Iowa Department of Education has arranged for FASTBridge to conduct the professional learning at three levels (superintendents and principals received registration dates and details for the webinar sessions in a previous email; face-to-face training dates are still being finalized):

District and School Manager (Webinar, July-August): Technical training for 1-2 staff in each district and school who will manage staff and student accounts in the FASTBridge application, have access to setup options, and have the ability to run district-level reports.

     
Getting Started with FAST (Webinar, July-August): Training for literacy leaders in each district and school on how to navigate and use the FASTBridge application, understand the differences in assessment administration, have a basic understanding of the reports in the FASTBridge application, and use the knowledge base and ticket system for support. The people attending this training will then need to provide this content to all the teachers in the district and schools who will be using the FASTBridge application.

Data Reports and Interpretation, Interventions and Progress Monitoring (In-person, September-October): Training for literacy leaders on interpreting reports, understanding additional data displays, and setup of progress monitoring and interventions.

We will provide ongoing communication and support throughout this important transition. For regular updates, please sign up to receive emails through an Early Warning System Listserv.