Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, all students enrolled in grades 4–10 will participate in B.E.S.T. Writing assessments each spring. Writing scores will be reported separately from Reading; they will not contribute to an overall ELA score.

About the Test 

The assessment is delivered on a computer-based testing platform. B.E.S.T. Writing assessments consist of one text-based constructed-response item (students read a variety of texts and respond to a prompt) and all students are provided with a Writing Planning Sheet to plan their writing.

Click below for more information about the B.E.S.T. Writing test design and scoring:

• BEST Writing Fact Sheet

• Test Design Summary and Blueprint (embedded in FAST English Language Arts Summary)

• Grades 4-6 Argumentative Rubric

• Grades 4-6 Expository Rubric

• Grades 7-10 Argumentative Rubric

• Grades 7-10 Expository Rubric

• BEST Writing Scoring Samplers

Testing Windows 

• April 1 – 12, 2024

Preparing for the Test 

• Sample test materials allow teachers, parents/guardians, and students to become familiar with the format of the assessments, as well as the system, functionality, and tools on computer-based tests.
• Computer-based and paper-based practice tests and answer keys for each assessment are available on the Students & Families portal page. For resources to better understand the standards to which the assessments are aligned, please visit CPALMS.

Student Results

• The B.E.S.T. Writing assessments are scored and reported on a 12-point rubric with the following domains: Purpose/Structure, Development, and Language. Each domain is worth four possible points. When results are reported at the end of June, students will receive a raw score on the overall scale (12 points) and for each four-point domain.
• Parents can access their child's results either through the Pasco Parent Portal or the FDOE Family Portal.  Click HERE for directions.

Interpreting Your Child's B.E.S.T. Writing Results 

• The state will be releasing a guide to interpret your child’s results.  Once more information is released by the state, it will be posted here.