About SABES   Contact Us   Site Map
[SABES logo] What's New SABES Resources SABES Calendar
 
Teacher's License Other Resources Other Sites

THE BASIC ENGLISH SKILLS TEST (BEST)


Center for Applied Linguistics

The BEST test is the learning gain assessment for ESOL Speaking & Listening SPLs 0-5. Use forms B and C of the Oral Interview subtest. This page will give you an overview of the test and provide brief testing protocols and tips.

Visit the Center for Applied Linguistics for more information about the BEST. Then click the "Back" button on your Web browser to get back to this page.

OVERVIEW OF THE BEST

Programs should use the Oral Inteview section of the BEST to assess learners at SPLs 0-5, both in ESOL classes or Workplace Education classes.

The BEST was developed by professionals at the Center for Applied Linguistics as a performance-based test for measuring the functional language skills of ESOL learners. The BEST has two sections, Oral Interview and Literacy Skills, but programs will be using only the Oral Interview, forms B & C. The Oral Interview measures the following:

  • Communication
  • Fluency
  • Listening Comprehension
  • Pronunciation

The Oral Interview section is an individually administered, face-to-face interview requiring approximately 20 minutes to admininster for each examinee. It consists of a series of simulated real-life listening comprehension and speaking tasks. The tasks include telling time, asking for directions, following directions, counting money to buy items, verifying change and conversing socially.

ADMINISTERING THE BEST

Two staff members trained in BEST administration and scoring need to score the tests. To insure uniformity in scoring across the state, every staff member designated to administer the BEST in your program must follow these protocols:

  • The first 15 administrations of the BEST test to students by each trained and certified staff member MUST be completed by two designated staff working together. In other words, two staff will score a student at the same time, without discussing their scores until after the test is finished. Then they will compare their scores to determine if they are scoring within 6 points of each other. If there is a difference greater than 6 points, the two scorers will need to discuss the test item(s) in question, and go back over the scoring rubric and their training notes to reach agreement in their scores. If two scorers have questions or feel that their scores are more widely apart, then they should contact their SABES Regional Curriculum and Assessment Coordinators. NOTE: After the first 20 administrations, these staff can administer and score the remaining BEST assessments on their own.

  • The first 10 mid-year administrations of the BEST by each trained and certified staff member must be completed by two designated staff working together, following the model above; subsequent mid-year BEST administrations can be done by these staff working on their own.

  • The first 10 end-of-year administrations of the BEST by each trained and certified staff member must be completed by two designated staff working together, following the model above; subsequent end-of-year BEST administrations can be done by these staff working on their own.

  • For scorings where staff are paired, scores (within 6 points of each other) should be averaged to obtain the score used to measure educational gain.

If by question #14 on Form B or question #13 on Form C an examinee has answered three or less questions correctly, stop administering the test.

When re-testing students at mid-year and at the end-of-year, alternate the Forms you administer. For example, if Form B was given as the initial test, then Form C should be given as the mid-year and then Form B again as the end-of-year test.


REPORTING TO SMARTT

Remember to use Scale Scores when reporting to SMARTT. We offer handy Scale Score Correlations. (Use your "Back" button to return to this page.)

Remember too that a student's primary assessment area cannot change during the year.

Important Note: When using the BEST test Form B, the raw score is the same as the scale score. When using the BEST test Form C, the raw score must be converted to the scale score, using Appendix D in the BEST test manual. This conversion will make both forms are equivalent.


WHEN TO USE BEST, WHEN TO USE REEP

Whether to use BEST or REEP depends on student's SPL Level. See chart below. Only one test can be reported as the primary assessment area in SMARTT. Also, you cannot start a student on BEST at lower SPL Levels and move him/her to REEP after SPLY 5 within a fiscal year.
Student SPL Level
Assessment Instrument
If student is at SPL 0-2 upon entering program and is not likely to enter SPL 6 during this FY: Use the BEST for all three tests to report educaitonal gain.

If student is at SPL 2 upon entering and is likely to enter SPL6 during this FY:

Use the REEP for all three tests.
If you have already administered BEST since July 2003, but believe student will enter SPL 6 during this FY: Administer REEP immediately and use score for initial test to report gain. Also use REEP for mid-year and end-of-year tests for FY.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Programs should order the Oral Interview Kit for both Form B and C, which costs $80 per kit. Programs should order these BEST forms from the Center for Applied Linguistics. (Order forms can be printed out from HERE. Use your "Back" button to return to this page.)

Each Kit consists of:

  • Test Manual (1 copy)
  • Picture Cue Book (1 copy)
  • Interviewer's Booklet (5 copies)
  • Interview Scoring Sheets (100 copies)

There is also an optional training video available.
Primary Assessment Area
Assessment Instrument
ESOL Speaking & Listening SPL 0-5 BEST, forms B and C, Oral Interview

ESOL Writing SPL 2-8

 REEP
Last updated: September 2, 2003
| Assessment Main Page | Assessment Glossary |
| SABES Home Page | SABES Resources | SABES Calendar | Other Web Sites |