TABE CLAS-E Tutorial

How to use it.

What is it?

TABE – Tests of Adult Basic Education CLAS – Complete Language Assessment E – English

An ESL assessment tool we use with students who score above 540 using the BEST Plus oral interview

This student needs TABE CLAS-E

Anything more than 540 points – above level 6 on BEST Plus

You’ll need three things to get started.1). Locator Test – Blank Answer Sheet

3 samples to do all together; 15 questions:15 minutes

These questions are not graded, but give the teacher a basic idea to use for initial

placement.

2). Locator Test – Specific Directions

…with scripts to talk them through the sample questions. Remind students

NOT to write in the test books, but only

on the answer sheet.

3). R/W Locator – Part 1

The samples are all on the front page. Subsequent pages

are a two-fold spread; the reading section on

the left with related questions on the right. The leveled reading

test is laid out the same way.

Grade the Locator and Assign the Student a Specific Testing Level

The Key for grading the

locator test is located at the

back of the Locator Test

Directions

Total number correct in the allotted time determines

which level test to administer.

Give the Student a Blank Answer Sheet and Mark the Correct Level and Test

Circle correct level

Circle correct testing form – B first then A or vice/versa

Sample box shows the

correct way to mark answers

There is one pack of instructions that contains all three sets of specific directions.

Reading 25 Q – 25 min

Writing20 Q – 20 min

Expository Writing Folioapprox 30 min

If you do all the tests at one

sitting, expect to spend around

two hours

Each Student Needs….….a Blank Answer Sheet

with their Level (2/3/4) and

Form (A/B)clearly marked

…a copy of the two Test Booklets (Reading and Writing), as well as the Expository Writing Folio

Be sure the levels match what’s marked on the answer sheet

Provide the student with a quiet place to work and set the timer.

When the student is finished, the teacher will need to grade it.

There are keys for each level – 2A/2B3A/3B4A/4B

The expository writing section is

graded by a rubric rather than a key. We’ll look at this a

little later.

I realize this is the old version of our score sheet, but you get the idea – sorry!

How to Grade the Multiple Choice Sections

I put the total number

correct at the bottom of

each column as I go along

The total correct for reading goes in the box on the top left of the page.

Grade the writing multiple choice questions the same way.

But the total correct goes in the “Writing Subtotal” line at the top middle of the page.

Now - How to Grade the Expository Writing Folio

The Writing Portfolio

contains 5 items

The level of the test will

determine which rubric(s) you use.

Since we only use this test with advanced

speakers, I’ve never had to give a “zero,” but if

you do, you must explain why.

I put notes on the individual rubrics to indicate when they should be used.

You’ll need the rubric, the writing portfolio, and the student answer sheet.

Using the correct rubric, grade each item as “Effective,”

“Adequate,” “Inadequate,” or

“Zero.” For the final essay, you can also

give a “Fluent” score.

Add up the Expository Writing Subtotal and write it on the correct line at the top right.

Now, add to find the writing total and write it in the “Writing Total” box.

Find the Scoring Table that matches the specific test you are grading.

Reading or Writing

Level 2, 3, or 4

Form A or B

Find the Raw Score and write down the equivalent Scale Score and Functioning Level.

I realize this is the old version of our answer sheet, but you get the idea – sorry!

I usually also note what score is needed to progress to the next level.

I realize this is the old version of our answer sheet, but you get the idea – sorry!

Follow the same procedure for both reading and writing.

Until you have two scores and two levels.

Now, you may choose which area (reading/writing) to concentrate on, or you may work in both areas and re-test in both areas.

Only submit one score to the office. Usually, you can use the other area next year.

I realize this is the old version of our answer sheet, but you get the idea – sorry!

After this year, this student will need to switch to regular TABE and GED class.

No more progress is possible in

writing.

He’s already doing Level 4

Hopefully, this year he’ll move from L5 to

L6 in Reading.

I realize this is the old version of our answer sheet, but you get the idea – sorry!

When do I switch to a higher level test?

• when a student gets only one or two questions wrong in a section

• when the raw score indicates a functional level with a “plus sign” (+)

There is an Individual Diagnostic Profile Sheet available for each Level and Form

Reading Writing

Circle the number of the actual question the student got wrong and it’ll give you a general idea about a problem

area to work on.But it’s not nearly as helpful as the regular

TABE diagnostic sheet

Thanks for your Time and Attention

Contact the office or Dawn with any further questions or clarifications