1. Presentation by Katya Arpon Marandino Irish May 2016

2. BEST Plus 2.0 has been approved for NRS use through February 2017. The approval notice is published in the Federal Register which includes all tests approved for NRS use.

3. Can I continue to use the current BEST Plus? Yes. Programs can continue to order and use the current BEST Plus for NRS reporting through June 30, 2016. As of July 1, 2016, programs will need to use BEST Plus 2.0 for NRS reporting.

4. Will BEST Plus 2.0 be better? What is different?  Yes.  BEST Plus 2.0 is updated and more current. CAL has updated 40% of the test items in both the computer-adaptive test and print-based test.  CAL also revised the Test Administrator Guide and some of the technical aspects of the test and score management software.  CAL also incorporated the revised NRS cut scores, which will be effective July 1, 2016.  The underlying scale on which BEST Plus scale scores are calculated and the scoring rubric remain the same.  With the enhanced BEST Plus 2.0 software, you will no longer need a CD for each computer you are using.  The software will be available on a USB which can be installed on any number of computers.

5. Will I need to be retrained on BEST Plus 2.0? No, current test administrators do not need to be retrained. As always, new test administrators will need to go through the initial training workshop.

6. Do I need to purchase anything for BEST Plus 2.0? It depends on your program’s logistical needs. Each program currently administering BEST Plus will receive one complimentary copy of the BEST Plus 2.0 software and the updated Test Administrator Guide once we verify your contact information through a customer survey. Additional copies of the BEST Plus 2.0 software, the updated Test Administrator Guide, and the new BEST Plus 2.0 print-based examinee test booklets (forms D, E, and F) and corresponding picture cue booklets will be available through the CAL Store, pre-orders starting May 16, 2016.

7. Can I pre-order BEST Plus 2.0? Yes, BEST Plus 2.0 will be available for pre-orders through the CAL Store starting May 16, 2016.

8. Is there new pricing for BEST Plus? Yes, CAL has published the new pricing schedule for BEST Plus 2.0 which will be effective May 16, 2016. CAL has made every effort to hold pricing down for the tests, and pricing for many of the support materials has not changed. The Test Administrator Guide is now less expensive and will be available to existing clients at a discount May 16th-December 31st, 2016.

9. How will we get the BEST Plus 2.0 Software?  Each program currently administering BEST Plus will receive one complimentary copy of the BEST Plus 2.0 software on USB and the updated Test Administrator Guide once we verify your contact information with this customer survey.  For test security, please note that CAL will only send the complimentary BEST Plus 2.0 materials to existing clients that have confirmed their shipping information.  The BEST Plus 2.0 USB can be installed on any number of computers, so many programs are able to operate with a single USB. The software will no longer be included with the Test Administrator Guide, thus reducing the price of the guide.  BEST Plus certified trainers will also receive a copy of the BEST Plus 2.0 USB to install on new trainees’ laptops at each BEST Plus workshop.  Copies of the BEST Plus 2.0 software on USB can be purchased through the CAL Store. If you’d prefer a network version, please contact CAL.

10. Do I need a USB for each computer I use for testing?  No. The USB will install the test software directly to the computer and you can use a single USB to install BEST Plus 2.0 on multiple machines.  Once installed, you will not need the USB to run the test.

11. Will system requirements change for installing BEST Plus 2.0?  No, the BEST Plus 2.0 USB, like its predecessor, needs Administrator Rights and Windows XP or higher for installation (but not to run the software after installation).  Also, the USB can be installed on multiple computers.

12. What will happen to the BEST Plus tests I have on my computer or that I previously purchased?  These test administrations will continue to be available. Tests activated on a computer or in your program’s balance will continue to be available with BEST Plus 2.0.  The old BEST Plus print-based examinee test booklets (forms A, B, and C), however, will be affected. The scoring administrations will be converted to computer-adaptive administrations in programs’ balances and on your computers as of July 1, 2016.  Programs will need to shred and recycle old test examinee booklets (forms A, B, and C) on July 1, 2016.

13. Will there be new print-based forms?  Yes. There will be new BEST Plus 2.0 examinee test booklets (forms D, E, and F) and corresponding new picture cue books.  As with the original BEST Plus, all forms must be processed with the Score Management Software for Student Placement levels, Scaled Scores, and NRS levels.

14. Should I keep print-based forms A, B, and C? No. Programs will need to shred and recycle old test examinee booklets (forms A, B, and C) on July 1, 2016.

15. Will I need a new Test Administrator Guide (TAG)?  No. CAL has developed a new Test Administrator Guide for BEST Plus 2.0 which will include the new NRS cut scores effective July 1, 2016.  The scoring rubric and basic test administration process have not changed, but we have updated Section III Scoring and Section IV Software of the TAG.  You can also find the new cut scores on our website. Each program currently administering BEST Plus will receive one complimentary copy of the BEST Plus 2.0 software on USB and the updated Test Administrator Guide once we verify your contact information with the customer survey.  Beyond the initial complimentary copy, CAL will also offer a discount on Test Administrator Guides May 16th -Dec 31st, 2016. This will ensure the refined BEST Plus 2.0 materials are easy to refer to and differentiate consistently from the original BEST Plus Test Administrator Guide. Visit CAL Store starting May 16th, 2016 to pre-order.

16. Will there be a new scoring rubric? No, the scoring rubric will not change with BEST Plus 2.0.

17. Will there be changes to the NRS ( National Reporting System) cut scores?  Yes, revised NRS cut scores will be used effective July 1, 2016.  The new NRS cut scores are posted on our website and included in the new version of the Test Administrator Guide.  These revised cut scores apply to all test administrations after July 1, 2016.

18. NRS Educational Functioning LevelBEST Plus 2.0 as of July 1, 2016 Original BEST Plus through June 30, 2016 Beginning ESL Literacy88 to 36188 to 400 Low Beginning ESL362 to 427401 to 417 High Beginning ESL428 to 452418 to 438 Low Intermediate ESL453 to 484439 to 472 High Intermediate ESL485 to 524473 to 506 Advanced ESL525 to 564507 to 540 Exit criteria fromNRS 565 and higher541 and higher

19. What if I need to pre-test with BEST Plus 2.0 before July 1?  If you have students who will be pre-tested before July 1 and post-tested after, please check with your state’s assessment policy before you begin.  If you are testing for NRS reporting, note that if you pre-test with the current BEST Plus, you must post-test with the same version by June 30, 2016.  You cannot pre-test with BEST Plus and post-test with BEST Plus 2.0 for NRS reporting.

20. What will happen to my student data on my computer?  Student data from the old BEST Plus will not transfer to the new BEST Plus 2.0. CAL recommends that you keep at least one copy of the BEST Plus Original Software and use it to reference the Student Data you back up.  To do so, use the Export Scores function in the BEST Plus score management software to transfer your data into your own data management system. You can also continue to use the old score management software to view your student data and score any remaining print-based forms A, B, and C through June 30, 2016.

21. Can I pre-test with the old BEST Plus and post-test with BEST Plus 2.0?  No. You cannot pre-test with BEST Plus and post-test with BEST Plus 2.0. If you are testing for NRS reporting, note that if you pre-test with the current BEST Plus, you must post-test with the same version by June 30, 2016.  You cannot pre-test with BEST Plus and post-test with BEST Plus 2.0 for NRS reporting.

22. Will there be new instructional-hours guidance?  CAL recommends re-testing students at the end of their period of instruction, with 60 hours minimum (80-100 hours recommended) of instruction prior to re-testing.  Programs should follow their state assessment policies and NRS Guidelines when re-testing at the end of the instructional period.  In instances where a student does not have 60 hours, programs should follow state assessment policies and NRS Guidelines when re-testing at the end of the instructional period.  If a program’s period of instruction is more than 60 hours, CAL does not recommend retesting students at the 60 hour mark; rather students should be tested at the end of the instructional period to avoid over-testing.

23. Will the Scoring Refresher Toolkit be updated? No. The Scoring Refresher Toolkit and corresponding participant workbook can be used with BEST Plus 2.0 because the test administration procedures, the underlying scale on which BEST Plus scale scores are calculated, and the scoring rubric remain the same.

24. Can I use BEST Plus 2.0 with a Mac? No. BEST Plus 2.0 is compatible with Windows XP and higher and is not designed to work on a Mac.

25. When will BEST Plus be available in the “cloud”? CAL will explore additional enhancements and delivery channels in future versions of BEST Plus. With this new version, we chose to make minimal enhancements to the delivery channel to keep prices down. However, a network version is available, email CAL for details. email: aea@cal.orgaea@cal.org Phone: 1-866-845-BEST (2378) Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm www.cal.org/aea/bestplus/2.html