Frequently Asked Questions
Categories:
Getting Started
Test Administrator Training
Ordering Materials
Activating Tests
Online Activation
Semi-adaptive Print-based Version
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What materials do I need to administer the semi-adaptive print-based version of BEST Plus?
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Do I need a computer to administer the semi-adaptive print-based version of BEST Plus?
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Is there an additional cost for the BEST Plus Score Management Software?
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Is there a scale score conversion table for print-based raw scores?
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Can I use the raw score and SPL estimate tables in the back of the test booklets for reporting?
Administration and Scoring
Score Management Software
Technical Support
Trainer Certification
What materials do I need to administer the semi-adaptive print-based version of BEST Plus?
There are three forms of the semi-adaptive print-based version of BEST Plus: A, B, and C. You will need one form for the pretest and a different form for the posttest (e.g. use Form A as the pretest, then use B or C as the posttest).
Testing materials for each form consist of the following:
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BEST Plus Test Examinee Test Booklet (consumable)
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Corresponding BEST Plus Picture Cue Book (reusable)
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BEST Plus Scoring Rubric
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BEST Plus Test Administrator Guide
In addition you will also need the following:
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2 pencils
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A computer to score print-based test booklets using the Score Management Software using the maroon BEST Plus Test CD or the Score Management Software enhancement
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Small calculator (optional)
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Clipboard to hold test booklets (optional)
Test administrators must have their own complete Test Administrator Guide and Scoring Rubric available during testing.
Do I need to order computer administrations to score the semi-adaptive print-based version of BEST Plus?
No. Your program is automatically credited with 20 test administrations per packet. These scoring administrations are activated in the same manner as the computer administrations. Each program manages this and CAL is not responsible for managing these within a program.
Do I need to order the Picture Cue Book?
Yes. The Picture Cue Books are required in order to administer the semi-adaptive print-based version of the test as some items require a picture stimulus. Programs need to order sufficient quantities of each form (A,B, or C) of the Picture Cue Books for every test administrator who is testing at the same time. The Picture Cue Books are reusable.
Do I need a computer to administer the semi-adaptive print-based version of BEST Plus?
No. You only need a computer to convert the raw scores into scale scores using the Score Management Software on the red BEST Plus Test CD or with the Score Management Software Enhancement. Note that only scale scores can be used to compare student gains whether a program is reporting scores or not.
Is there an additional cost for the BEST Plus Score Management Software?
No. The Score Management Software is included on the red BEST Plus Test CD and the Score Management Software enhancement is available free to download here.
Do the students write in the test booklets?
No. The examinees do not write in the test booklets and are not to be shown any of the test questions. Examinees are only to be shown the photos in the Picture Cue Books when prompted.
Can I reuse the test booklets?
No. Each test booklet is consumable and cannot be photocopied or reused. Test administrators mark examinee’s scores in the booklet and tally the raw scores. Picture Cue Books are reusable.
Is there a scale score conversion table for print-based raw scores?
No. Because each question is weighted differently based on the difficulty of the test item and on the examinee’s score on each component of the rubric, simple conversion tables are not feasible. However, the test algorithm used by the Score Management Software can easily take all these factors into account to provide an accurate score.To receive a scale score, print-based scores from the examinee test booklet must be entered into the Score Management Software using the maroon BEST Plus Test CD
Can I use the raw score and SPL estimate tables in the back of the test booklets for reporting?
No. The Raw Score and Estimated SPL tables in the back of each test booklet are provided as an on-the-spot estimate for general placement purposes only. To receive a scale score, print-based scores from the examinee test booklet must be entered into the Score Management Software using the red BEST Plus Test CD. Only scale scores are comparable across all three forms (A, B, and C) and reportable for accountability purposes.
