Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS)

FY2010 BEST Plus & REEP Recertification Info

March 3, 2010 Dear Program Directors and BEST Plus Test Administrators: Please share this information with staff and particularly with BEST Plus Test Administrators. First, thank you to all who have participated in assessing students this year. We know it takes time and careful attention on your part. It is so important that we continue to administer and score the standardized assessments correctly. If we are to maintain accurate scores statewide, then it is vital to make sure all administrators and scorers are following the same test protocols. A significant part of this process is ensuring that all BEST Plus test administrators are scoring strictly according to the BEST Plus rubric, and re-familiarizing themselves with the scoring process (known as recalibration) each time before they test. To ensure scoring accuracy, BEST Plus test administrators must recertify annually by taking part in a Scoring Refresher and successfully completing a 30-minute scoring activity. Recertification entails successfully completing Scoring Activity #2. To ensure successful completion, you should review the BEST Plus Scoring Refresher Toolkit first. In order to recertify, you will need the following materials:

A 3-ring binder entitled, "BEST Plus Scoring Refresher Toolkit," with two accompanying DVDs or VHS videos
A white booklet entitled, "BEST Plus Scoring Refresher Workbook, Test Administrator's Edition"

If you do not have these materials at your program, please contact your SABES Regional Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator to borrow a set. The completed Scoring Activity must be sent to the Program's Regional SABES Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator by Wednesday, March 31. The SABES Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator will score and send a new Certificate of Competence to the practitioner by April 30. The new certificate will be valid for at least one year. Staff who receive a borderline "Acceptable" or an "Unacceptable" score in any one of the three rubric areas will have an opportunity to receive remediation in order to continue to administer the BEST Plus. Test Administrators who do not return their Scoring Activity by this date will not be able to administer the BEST Plus until they re-take the initial BEST Plus training, refresher, and scoring activity.

REEP Recalibration for FY10

There will be no recalibration activities for 2010. A test to replace the REEP Writing Assessment for reporting learning gains in FY11 will be announced shortly. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jane at janes@doe.mass.edu. Thank you for your continued hard work. Sincerely,
With Literacy in Mind. Anne Serino
Massachusetts ABE State Director

Last Updated: March 5, 2010