1. TABE Complete Language Assessment System – English™ TABE CLAS-E

2. Agenda Overview – Staff Development Locator Break
Quick Reference Guide
Interview
Test
Break
Administering the Test
Levels and Forms
Scoring
Hand Scoring
Writing Rubric
Speaking Rubric (optional)
Interpretation of Scores
Questions

3. Overview of TABE CLAS-E
What is TABE Complete Language Assessment System-English?
Standardized assessment that provides teachers with a reliable, easy-to-use system that accurately identifies the instructional needs of their ESL students
Assesses English proficiency levels to accurately measure students' reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills
Appropriate for all levels of adult ESL
Scores from TABE CLAS-E are linked to TABE 9&10, designed to offer your students a successful transition into adult basic education
Delivers National Reporting System (NRS) proficiency levels, objective mastery scores, and Student Performance Level
Key message is that CLAS-E is a Standardized test just like TABE 9/10. CLAS-E is designed to specifically measure Adult ESL proficiency along the 6 levels of the NRS proficiency levels.

4. Scope and Sequence
Point out that each of the levels covers all the objective levels and then point out the full list of the objective standards in the hand outs.

5. Overview of TABE CLAS-E
Point out that students can only get o level 6 of the NRS (bottom right corner) by taking the Level 4 test. So they can not test out early on a lower level.

6. Overview of TABE CLAS-E
Levels: 4 (1,2,3,4)
Forms: 2 (A and B)
Four Skill Areas Tested:
Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking
Seamless transition to TABE 9&10
Point out the similarities to TABE. Levels 1234 are like EMDA. Forms A and B are like 9 and 10. Also that every test book has 4 tests in it, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
CLAS-E also provides a smooth transition to TABE 9/10 with predicted TABE scores, more on that at the end.

7. Testing Time (Minutes)
Test Content and Administration Times
Content Area
Total Items
Testing Time (Minutes)
Reading 25
Listening 20
Writing
Expository Writing Folio 5 27
Testing Time
Speaking
(Individually administered) 16 15
Point out that the top box is the Group administered section and that it takes a little over 90 minutes. Speaking is optional, meaning they do not have to report the scores. The test is timed like TABE is so the test directions need to be followed.

8. CLAS-E Levels 4 Content Levels Test Level NRS Levels
NRS Functioning levels possible
Level 1
NRS 1 & 2
1, 2, 3, 3+
Level 2
NRS 2 & 3
1, 2, 3, 4, 4+
Level 3
NRS 3 & 4
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5+
Level 4
NRS 5 & 6
1*, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The main point is to show that a student can only get to the highest NRS level (6) by taking Level 4 of CLAS-E. Students can not exit early by outperforming a lower level test.
*lowest obtainable score, recommend for re-test.

9. Steps to Testing with TABE CLAS-E
Step 1: Locator Interview (if needed)
Step 2: Administer Locator Test (Parts 1 and 2)
Step 3: Administer appropriate Level(s) of CLAS-E (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking)
Step 4: Score CLAS-E Level to find out ESL Proficiency Level
Step 5: Place student in appropriate ESL/ABE class
These are steps in the testing process and we will work thru them step by step

10. Step 1
Locator Interview

11. Testing with TABE CLAS-E
Step 1: Locator Interview
The purpose of the Locator Interview is to determine which examinees should be tested with Level 1 and which examinees go on to take the Locator test (to determine testing at Level 2, 3, or 4).
The Listening/Speaking skills and the Reading and Writing skills of students are treated independently and should be scored as such and the recommendations from the evaluation chart should be followed.
Simply put the Locator Interview provides a short cut to get low proficiency students directly to the Level 1 pre-test without taking the Locator. Just

12. Testing with TABE CLAS-E
Locator Interview Scores Evaluation Chart
Interview Score Recommended Action
Part A 9 or below Administer Level 1 L/S tests
10 or above Administer Locator Test, Part 2 L/S placement
Part B 9 or below Administer Level 1 R/W tests
10 or above Administer Locator Test, Part 1 for R/W placement
*Chart found on page 10 of Locator Test, Test Directions
Note that this information is in the Locator Test Directions book. Students that do not get at least 10 points on the Interview go right to the Level 1 Test and do not take the Locator Test.

13. Step 2
Locator Test

14. Testing with TABE CLAS-E
Purpose of the Locator Test:
The Locator Test is used to place examinees within the TABE CLAS-E assessment system. Based on how examinees score on the Locator Test will determine what level(s) of TABE CLAS-E should be administered (1,2,3 or 4).
Same purpose as the TABE 9/10 Locator, place the student is 1 of 4 level of the test.

15. Testing with TABE CLAS-E
Administering the Locator Test
Materials Needed:
Locator Test Directions
Locator Test (one per examinee)
Locator Test Answer Booklet (one per examinee)
Locator Test Listening Audio CD (or Audio Tape)
No. 2 Pencil (one per examinee)

16. Testing with TABE CLAS-E
Administer Locator Test, Part 1 (R/W)
Score in Part 1 determines which level of TABE CLAS-E examinees will take for Reading and Writing
Administer Locator Test, Part 2 (L/S)
Score in Part 2 determines which level of TABE CLAS-E examinees will take for Listening and Speaking.
The Locator Test is in 2 parts Reading/Writing and Listening/Speaking

17. Testing with TABE CLAS-E
Locator Test Evaluation Chart
Part 1 Reading and Writing Test Level to Administer
6 and below 1
13 and above 4
Part 2 Listening and Speaking Test Level to Administer
Also in the Locator Test Direction book. Based on the Locator test results a student might take one level for R/W and a different level for L/S.

18. Administer the Appropriate Level of CLAS-E
Step 3
Administer the Appropriate Level of CLAS-E

19. Testing with TABE CLAS-E
Preparation before Testing:
Step 1: Check Your Test Materials
Step 2: Choose Test Staff
Step 3: Plan Your Testing Schedule
Step 4: Organize the Testing Area
Step 5: Prepare Examinees
Step 6: Plan to Use Standard Testing Procedures
Step 7: Fill in Examinee-Identifying Information
Take about, making sure the site has the needed test books, that the scoring team is trained for the Writing test (more later). Also need to beware of any scheduleing that might need to be done for the Listening test because you can only play the CD for one level at a time.

20. Administering the TABE CLAS-E Domains
Let’s get started!!
Begin looking at each section of the test book.

21. Reading

22. Lower literacy examinees answer discrete, picture-based items
Reading
Uses schedules, forms, flyers, store receipts, advertisements, product instructions, and newsletters
Lower literacy examinees answer discrete, picture-based items
Assessment objectives include quantitative literacy, read words, and reading comprehension
NEW SLIDE: Just a few notes about the type of items that are used in our Adult ESL assessment. These item types are similar to TABE 9/10 in Adult life/work related scenario based questions.

23. NEW Slide with a few sample questions
NEW Slide with a few sample questions. The class can look at Volume 1 of the Teachers Guide for more samples at each level, or in the test book in their folders.

24. Testing with TABE CLAS-E
Administering the Reading Test:
Similar to TABE 9/10
Group Administered
Testing Time: 25 minutes
Materials suggested:
Test Directions for the administrator
Test Book for the student/candidate
Answer sheet - Scantron or Scoreze
Scoring Tables Book
Individual Diagnostic Profile

25. Listening

26. Listening
Presents items in a spoken format of varying lengths, from pairs to short passages
Examinees are addressed in meaningful work, community, and academic situations
Quantitative literacy, listening comprehension, and interpersonal skills are measured
Lower level examinees are tested in discerning beginning and ending sounds of words
Types of items for listening test. NOTE that CLAS-E Listening is from a standardized Audio passage not a script read by the Proctor that might be paraphrased or inflected on certain words to lead the question.

27. Sample items also see Volume 1 of Teacher Guide
Sample items also see Volume 1 of Teacher Guide. Play Listening sample audio clip. In the audio clip notice that there is a tone after the sample question which is meant to have the proctor to pause the CD and confirm the sample is correct. Then the audio test is played without stopping. Students have 7-9 seconds of paused time to document their answer.

28. Administering the Listening Test
Group Administered (by Level)
Testing Time: 20 minutes
Materials suggested:
Test Directions for the administrator
Test Book for the student/candidate
Audiocassette/CD
Audiocassette/CD player
Answer sheet - Scantron or Scoreze
Scoring Tables Book
Individual Diagnostic Profile
Point out that the Listening test can be group administer if you test like students together All Level 1’s together or all Level 2’s together.
Also, Scoreze answer sheets are the ones included in the state contract but sites might choose to use the scanable on their own.

29. Writing

30. Writing Selected-response items: Constructed response items:
Two parts to Writing and both need to be delivered to receive a Writing Score
Selected-response items:
Gauge knowledge of English language grammar and mechanics
Test quantitative literacy, usage and conventions, and sentence formation and coherence
Constructed response items:
Measure application of grammar and mechanics in expository writing
Student write their responses in a separate Writing Folio
Are scored with holistic rubrics to assess expository writing ability
Writing is 2 parts, Multiple Choice and Constructed response.

32. Writing Test Group Administered (by Level)
Testing Time: 20 mins for Selected Response and 27 mins for Constructed Response
Materials suggested:
Test Directions for the administrator
Test Book for the student/candidate
Answer sheet - Scoreze
Expository Writing Folio
Scoring Tables Book
Individual Diagnostic Profile
Writing Scoring Guide for Rubric Scoring

33. Scoring the Writing Folios
This slide is also a hand-out. Point out that in your full Writing Scoring Guide book there are several rubrics so you want to make sure the right one is being used (Red box). In the video you will notice they score a stack of the same level test books, all level 4 for example so you have the same rubric.
Also, the full scoring guide needs to be read by anyone that will be a Scoring Judge, this is really only the first 12 pages of the Guide. Not every one at a location will be a scoring Judge.
Point out the check boxes inside the blue squares also note the underlined key phrases that will help the use of the Rubric.

34. Speaking

35. Administering the Speaking Test
Individually Administered
Testing Time: 15 minutes
Materials Needed:
Test Directions
Test Book
Speaking Scoring Guide
Speaking Scoring Sheet (last page of the Guide)

36. Speaking Introduces an innovative multiple-criteria scoring rubric
Measures grammar, meaning, and appropriateness
Scale scores will be averaged for the composite Speaking score
Individually administered by a proctor (10 minutes)
Uses picture-based stimuli
Work and life skills
Phone competency
Expressing opinions and abilities
Providing descriptions and instructions
Includes critical thinking

38. Sample of Rubric

40. Overview in Scoring Options
TABE CLAS-E 40

41. Scoring Hand-scoring with Scantron or SCOREZE
Orange Scoring Table Book will convert number correct to Scale Scores and NRS levels (similar to TABE 9/10 Norms Book)
Individual Diagnostic Profile will provide Objective level mastery to help guide instructional paths
Scanned Reports have been removed from the folder.

42. Types of Scores from CLAS-E
Found in the Scoring Table Book
NRS Level
Scale Score
Student ESL Proficiency Level
Estimated TABE 9 Level (Reading/Language Arts)
Exit Recommendation
Found on Individual Diagnostic Profile
Objectives Mastery
Item Analysis
All scores can be received by hand scoring and looking up the scores in the Scoring Tables and Individual Diagnostic Profiles. This is just like TABE 9/10.

43. Recording your scores

44. Scoring TABE CLAS-E Final Tabulation:
To get a NRS levels and scale score for your students, you will need the following materials for tabulation of scores:
Student Answer Documents (Scantron or SCOREZE)
Scoring Guides (Writing and Speaking separate)
Writing and Speaking Scoring Sheet (back page of Scoring Guide)
Individual Diagnostic Profile
Scoring Tables Guide (Orange Book)
This is primarily for hand scoring but you still need the bubble sheet answer sheet for scanning. Bubble sheet can be hand scored or scanned.
Walk through the first few pages of the Scanned report form TestMate software. First page is good for the student and teacher and the second report (Item Analysis) is only for the teachers.

45. Individual Diagnostic Profile

46. This is as section from the Scoring Tables book (in TABE 9/10 this is called the Norms Book). This sample is for Reading Form A Level 4. From left to right you take your raw score number correct to get a scale score and a NRS level for State reporting. This meets reporting needs but not instructional needs. The help drive instruction we need to have Objective level information.

47. Individual Diagnostic Profile
Idv Diagnostic Profile (IDP) is a student record sheet that on the left page has an area for tracking student data (red box). The Right side allows us to determine objective Mastery. On the right side you mark off the incorrect answers to see if enough correct answers remain for mastery of that objective.

48. Recording Listening and Speaking Answers
Just showing some sample scores being tracked.

49. Recording Reading and Writing Answers
More sample scores on the IDP. Remember if you are scanning the answer sheets then the software does this work.

50. Transitioning Students from ESL to ABE

51. Linking Study for TABE CLAS-E and TABE 9/10
Goal: To establish a relationship between TABE CLAS-E and TABE 9&10 and to provide a predicted scale score for ESL students on the TABE 9&10 Level M Reading and Language tests.
The Study: 925 examinees in 22 locations across the country were administered both TABE and CLAS-E.
A univariate ordinary least-squares regression method was used to estimate a linear relationship between CLAS-E and TABE.
Results: Include an estimated TABE Reading and Language Scale Score and also a Standard Error Estimate Range.
We did a study to help provide perdicted TABE Scores. This data is in the back of the Scoring Tables Book (Orange)

52. Exiting TABE CLAS-E Exit vs Transition TABE CLAS-E Level 4 only
Recommended Criterion – CTB recommends that a student demonstrate proficiency in 3 of 4 sub-tests.
Alternative Exit Criteria – Each Subtest has a higher exit criteria when used individually.
Validation Study included 200 teacher ratings for participants in the Equating Study were analyzed and reviewed by both CTB and external ESL experts
Most people/teachers think of student “transitioning” form one program to another ie. ESL to ABE. But the Federal gov’t thinks of student “Exiting” one program and if they continue they are enrolled as new students in a new program. Different terms but rally doing the same thing. We have exit scores for students taking individual subtest or exit scores for composite scores of at least 3 sub-tests. Hand out in folder has section from Scoring Table on this topic.

53. Administration and Instructional Planning Resources
Professional Development and Instructional Guidance
Teacher’s Resource Guide, Volume 1:
Administration and Instructional Planning Resources
Administration and instructional planning
Items illustrating content
Items classifications by objectives
Key terms
Mention that these are optional ancillary items. The State might look into providing a set to each site. Before the test – Bound book

54. - 36 Community tasks - 32 Work tasks - 12 Education tasks
Professional Development and Instructional Guidance
Teacher’s Resource Guide, Volume 2:
Classroom Tasks and Lessons
Three basic themes:
80 Classroom Tasks (Community & Work related)
- 36 Community tasks Work tasks Education tasks
Lesson Plans
Teaching Tips
Checklists
Mention that these are optional ancillary items. The State might look into providing a set to each site.
After the test – Spiral bound book for copying. Also has CD in back for Listening

55. Questions? Mike Johnson National Director, Adult Education
Tel: 55