Overview

FastBridge by Illuminate Education is a comprehensive assessment platform designed for K–12 educators. It combines universal screening, progress monitoring, and diagnostic reporting in one web-based system. Its core strength lies in merging Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT) with Curriculum-Based Measures (CBM) to deliver valid and reliable data quickly—enabling teachers to identify student needs in reading, math, and social-emotional behavior, align targeted interventions, and adjust instruction efficiently. FastBridge’s projection models allow meaningful decisions with fewer data points, reducing testing time and workload while promoting equity in growth.

Features & Capabilities

• **Assessment Modalities: **FastBridge supports multiple assessment types for reading, including earlyReading, aReading, CBMreading, and AUTOreading. For math, it offers earlyMath, aMath, CBMmath Automaticity, CBMmath Process, and CBMmath Concepts & Applications. Social-emotional and behavior screening tools such as SAEBRS and Direct Behavior Rating are also included.
• **Computer-Adaptive Tests (CAT): **CAT adjusts to each student’s ability level, reducing test time to approximately 15–30 minutes. The underlying measurement models are psychometrically robust and developed with expert guidance.
• **Curriculum-Based Measures (CBM): **CBMs assess specific skills such as fluency and automaticity to closely track student progress. They enable frequent progress monitoring and are sensitive to small increments of growth.
• **FAST Projection™ Algorithm: **The patented projection line predicts future student performance using only six data points, enabling faster instructional decisions. It supports timely adjustments to interventions.
• **Screening-to-Intervention Reporting: **Reports provide actionable insights for grouping students, tailoring instruction, and selecting targeted interventions. Evidence-based plans for reading and mathematics support educators in addressing skill gaps.
• **Dyslexia Screening: **Specialized screeners measure key literacy indicators such as phonological awareness and rapid automatized naming. The system aligns with recommendations from dyslexia experts and is approved for use in several U.S. states.
• **Onboarding & Integration: **FastBridge includes a guided onboarding portal and supports integration with SIS platforms, OneRoster, and SAML-based Single Sign-On. It can also connect to Clever for data synchronization and user management.
• **Remote Testing Support: **The platform provides guidance for administering screenings and progress monitoring remotely, including audio and video considerations. Remote reading interventions can be delivered through video conferencing setups.
• **Data-Driven MTSS: **Assessment data feeds into MTSS workflows to identify risk levels and guide instructional planning. Reports support equity monitoring to ensure all student groups progress at comparable rates.
• **Research-Based Design: **FastBridge was developed by researchers including contributors from the University of Minnesota. The assessments emphasize strong reliability, validity, and evidence-based measurement principles.
• **Efficiency & Resource Savings: **A single subscription includes screening, monitoring, and reporting—reducing the need for multiple systems. Shorter testing times decrease the burden on students and educators.