Frequently Asked Questions |
General Information About BEST
Plus
Scoring BEST Plus |
ADMINISTERING BEST PLUSDo I need a computer to administer the print-based version of BEST Plus? No. A computer is not needed to administer the print-based test. However, all programs that use BEST Plus will need at least one computer for data-entry purposes. All print-based test scores must be entered into the BEST Plus Score Management Software using the number keys after administration to generate the full BEST Plus score report with a scale score. All print-based test purchases include a complimentary computer administration to allow this data entry. These administrations are credited to the program's total test pool by CAL when the print-based order is received. These administrations are activated in the same manner as the computer-adaptive test administrations. Is there a difference in the reliability of the computer-adaptive version and the print-based version of BEST Plus? No. When used correctly, the computer and print versions are equally reliable. In practice, however, there may be a greater chance of error with the print-based version (e.g., scores added incorrectly on the locator leading to administering the wrong test level). However, there are no data that show that the print-based version is less reliable than the computer-adaptive version. Can I end the test myself if I think it has gone on long enough? No. It invalidates the test if you end it prematurely. When should a test question be skipped? The option to skip a question should be used only in rare circumstances. For example, if a question causes a student extreme distress or is inappropriate for a specific student, the question can be skipped by not scoring and clicking on "Next question". When the "Finish scoring" question comes up, click on, “Skip this question and go on the next one" and continue after the student has regained composure. Skipping a question will not affect the final score. However, it is important to remember that there are no right answers to the questions and prompts. For example, students who do not drive should still be presented with items that pertain to driving. One of the questions may be, "Do you like driving in [Washington]?" The examinee can answer, "I don't drive" and still be scored. The next question may ask about driving conditions, which the examinee could answer based on his or her experience as a passenger. What do I use for a student's registration number? Do I have to use the same number for a student tested multiple times? The registration number field on the student information page is designed to help identify students within a particular program. However, it is possible to assign a new registration number each time a test is administered, if that seems like a more helpful way of organizing data. You can always sort ("Filter") tests and students by class, regardless of how you use the registration number field. Registration numbers need to be short enough for the entire code to show up in the box; this size will be different on different computers, depending on screen resolution. To find out more information about "Filters," please see Section III-3 of the Score Management Software User Guide. Please note: Avoid using non-alphanumeric characters except for period ( . ), hyphen ( - ), apostrophe ( ' ), or underscore ( _ ) in any data field in BEST Plus (Student Name, Registration Number, Class, Test Administrator, Site). Standard A through Z alphabet use is recommended. Accented characters should be avoided. Spaces can be used, but also count as characters. |
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For more information
about BEST Plus or training workshops, Shop for BEST Plus products
online 24 hours a day The development of BEST Plus was funded by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), U.S. Department of Education, Contract # ED-00-CO-0130. |
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