The Foundation of Research-Backed Assessments
Illuminate Education's FastBridge offers research-based assessments that are rooted in collaboration with leading education researchers and psychometricians. The assessments are developed through a stringent research process, with only those demonstrating high-quality research and significant outcomes making the cut. This rigorous process ensures that educators can trust the validity of the assessments and make informed instructional decisions based on reliable data.
Development Process and Verification
The journey from idea to assessment begins with the initial development phase where research studies are meticulously planned with specific materials, participants, and procedures. Controlled studies are then conducted to test the assessments under ideal conditions. Subsequently, research articles undergo thorough review by experts in the field. Once an assessment successfully passes through these stages and receives validation, it is released for limited district use. Endorsed assessments with multiple high-quality research sources become invaluable tools for educators' decision-making processes.
Bridging Research to Practice
FastBridge not only values academic research but also focuses on translating it into tangible educational outcomes. By collaborating with researchers from esteemed universities like Minnesota, Georgia, Missouri, and more, FastBridge ensures that cutting-edge research directly impacts classrooms. The innovative mix of Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) and Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT) with integrated reporting sets FastBridge apart. This forward-thinking approach aims to bridge the gap between research findings and classroom implementation, reducing the turnaround time from research discovery to practical application significantly.
The Evolution of FastBridge
The story of FastBridge traces back to the development of the Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST™) by Theodore J. Christ and Dr. Zoheb H. Borbora at the University of Minnesota. This cloud-based system paved the way for FastBridge Learning, which later merged with Illuminate Education. FastBridge now serves as the cornerstone for screening, diagnostic, and progress monitoring assessments within the Illuminate Education ecosystem. The commitment to research excellence and technological innovation continues to drive FastBridge's evolution in transforming educational assessments.
Empowering Researchers and Educators
FastBridge extends its support to doctoral students, faculty, and state education departments by inviting them to utilize its assessments for research purposes. This outreach aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the educational research community. With a focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to advancing educational practices, FastBridge actively seeks to engage and empower investigators to drive positive change in educational assessment methodologies.
Join the Research Community
If you are a doctoral student, faculty member, or part of a state education department interested in leveraging FastBridge assessments for research endeavors, the FastBridge research department welcomes your participation. By accessing existing FastBridge data and contributing to ongoing research initiatives, you can be a part of the transformative journey towards enhancing educational assessments. Submit your interest form today and embark on a collaborative exploration of research-backed assessment practices.