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Spotlight

Students at work

Order BEST Literacy materials here.

BL Tech ReportBEST Literacy Technical Report
Now Available This new report describes the development of BEST Literacy, including the field testing, equating, and standard setting studies. Visit the CAL Store to learn more.

Converting raw scores to scale scores
Click here for a step by step example of how to convert a BEST Literacy raw score to a scale score.

Score interpretation changes took effect
July 1, 2008
Click here to download our flyer with more information.

Resource Corner

BEST Literacy FAQs
Review our list of frequently asked questions about BEST Literacy.

BEST Plus logoBEST Plus
Learn about our companion oral English proficiency assessment for adults.

 

Testing / Assessment

Adult ESL Assessment

BEST LiteracyBEST Literacy Logo

What is BEST Literacy?

BEST Literacy tests reading and writing skills in authentic situations specifically geared for adult English language learners in the United States. BEST Literacy can be administered individually or to groups of examinees in one hour or less.

BEST Litearcy Form D Cover ImageReading tasks include reading dates on a calendar, labels on food and clothing, bulletin announcements, and newspaper want ads.

Writing tasks include addressing an envelope, writing a rent check, filling out a personal background form, and writing personal notes.

BEST Literacy is available in three parallel forms (B, C and D) for pre- and posttesting. The BEST Literacy Test Manual is designed to provide test administrators and scorers with all the information they need to give and score the test, including a rubric with clear benchmarks for scoring the note-writing tasks as well as many student samples.

Components

The complete BEST Literacy product line consists of the following:

Click on each title to learn more at the CAL Store

  1. BEST Literacy Test Manual - 2008 Edition*

  2. BEST Literacy Examinee Test Booklets (Forms B, C, D) with corresponding BEST Literacy Examinee Score Sheets for each test form

  3. BEST Literacy Technical Report Newly Available

*The 2008 edition of the BEST Literacy Test Manual is now available. The new manual contains updated National Reporting System (NRS) and Student Performance Level (SPL)
scale score ranges, additional background and technical information, and refinements to procedures for scoring the note writing section. Visit the CAL Store to learn more.

Training

The Center for Applied Linguistics does not require training to administer BEST Literacy. However some states and programs may have internal training requirements for test administrators or scorers. Please check with your local contact for more information.

In any case, State agencies, program administrators, test administrators, and test scorers should thoroughly review the BEST Literacy Test Manual - 2008 Edition in order to become familiar with proper testing and scoring procedures. The BEST Literacy Test Manual - 2008 Edition provides comprehensive information about administering and scoring the three forms (B, C, and D) of the test as well as information for interpreting the results and technical information.

Scoring

BEST Literacy scorers must use the conversion tables, writing samples, and writing rubric found in the BEST Literacy Test Manual - 2008 Edition. To order this manual click here.

Click here to download our flyer detailing the revisions to BEST Literacy Score interpretation. Adobe PDF Icon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Visit our FAQ section for further information.

To order online visit the CAL Store or download our order form.