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HOW TO ADMINISTER TESTS OF ADULT BASIC EDUCATION
TRAINING (TABE) READING TEST
Move through this computer-based learning course at your own pace by clicking on the arrows at the bottom of the screen. There will be a test at the end of the course.
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NECESSARY TEST MATERIALS
Stop! Before you begin this course, you will need the TABE testing materials to follow through the training. These are: TABE Form 9, Level D Survey Test Book TABE Form 9 and 10 Survey Test Directions SCOREZE answer sheet Norms Book Complete Battery and Survey The next slide has information on ordering these test materials.
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TABE ORDERING INFORMATION
To inquire or order the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) contact:
CTB/McGraw-Hill Customer Services
20 Ryan Ranch Road Monterey, CA 93940
Toll Free Number: 1-800-538-9547 Toll Free Fax Number: 1-800-282-0266
Website: www.mcgrawhill.com
NOTE: Make sure to order the correct reading test and matching Scoreze answer sheet.
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THE PURPOSE OF THIS TRAINING
To prepare supervisory staff to administer the TABE Survey Form 9, Level D Test 1-Reading for determining functional literacy of direct support staff and all staff who are required to have functional literacy (8th grade reading level) determined prior to administering medications. Note: There is no “grandfather clause” exempting staff currently administering medications from this requirement.
The next slides explain why.
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MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION RULE
The Medication Administration Rule 116, the ICFDD Rule 350, and the CILA Rule 115 require that staff who administer medications must demonstrate functional literacy in reading at an eighth grade level. These rules are contained on the DHS website at: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?Item=22450#a_toc5
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MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION RULE (Continued): Functional literacy must be evaluated by the administration of a test that has been approved by the Department of Human Services (DHS). The TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) is currently the test recommended for use by DHS.
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DHS TESTING CONCERNS: DHS surveys have raised concerns regarding the administration of TABE tests. Recent surveys revealed some agencies: were administering the tests on plain paper instead of standardized score sheets; could not provide proper documentation and made errors in establishing the level of functional literacy. This slide show explains proper TABE testing procedures to avoid similar findings at your agency.
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COMMUNITY AGENCIES’ TABE TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Community agencies are only required to test staff on the reading component of TABE when conducting the test for medication administration purposes. That is the only component explained in this slide show. However, your agency may choose to test staff on the other components.
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DESCRIPTION OF TEST
Test Content: The four overlapping levels for the TABE 9 Survey Test relate to grade level ranges and are shown below. Test Level: E (Easy) M (Medium) D (Difficult) A (Advanced)
The test level that the Department recommends for determining functional literacy is Reading test level D.
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After completion of this training you will know how to: Administer the TABE Survey Form 9, Level D, Test 1-Reading. Score the TABE Survey Form 9, Level D, Test 1-Reading. Use the Norms Book to determine the level of functional literacy of individuals taking the TABE Survey Form 9, Level D, Test 1-Reading.
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INTRODUCTION The Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) are designed to measure achievement of basic skills commonly found in adult basic education curricula. The content areas that can be measured by the TABE tests are reading, language, mathematics, and spelling. This training covers only the reading component.
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TEST MATERIALS Test Books- There are two test books that are used for the
Reading Test Level D: the Survey test and the Complete Battery test. Both provide normative information and are described below. Your agency can decide which test to use. References to testing procedures contained in this training will be for the Survey Test only.
Survey Test - The Survey test is less comprehensive than the Complete Battery test and consists of 25 multiple choice questions.
Complete Battery Test - The Complete Battery test is more comprehensive and consists of 50 multiple choice questions.
Test books are reusable. Examinees should be instructed not to mark in their test books.
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Test Materials (continued)
ANSWER SHEETS - There are two types of answer sheets for scoring the TABE test: 1. SCOREZE 2. COMPUSCAN. Your agency can decide which one use. IMPORTANT: If you don’t use an original of one of these TABE test score sheets, the test will not be considered legitimate.
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Test Materials (continued)
SCOREZE – sheets are designed for rapid hand scoring. They consist of two sealed sheets with carbon paper between them.
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Test Materials (continued)
The SCOREZE sheets produce a summary of results; scoring stencils are not required. This is the answer sheet that will be used for this training session.
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Test Materials (continued)
The next slide is an example of a SCOREZE sheet. Follow the directions on Pages 6 & 7 in the Survey 9-10 Test Directions Manual that explain how to complete the identifying information at the top of the answer sheet.
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Please take a moment to review the identifying information on your 9-10 SCOREZE Test Sheet. The Identifying Information should be filled in at the top of the answer sheet prior to administering the TABE test.
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COMPUSCAN - machine scored answer sheets are available for tabletop scanners and the TABE Test Mate Scoring System. Hand scoring stencils are also available to score these answer sheets.
The directions for completing the identifying information for the COMPUSCAN answer sheet are on pages 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 in the Survey Test Directions Book.
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Test Materials (continued)
Survey Test Directions- This manual is
utilized when the 25 questions exam is given. This training only refers to the TABE Survey
Test. If your agency decides to use the more comprehensive TABE Complete Battery test (50 questions) the procedures are essentially the same.
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The next slide shows the front cover of the TABE 9D Survey Test Book.
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The next slide shows the front cover of the TABE 9-10 Survey Test Directions.
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Test Materials (continued):
Norms Book Complete Battery and Survey– The Norms Book for TABE Form 9 contains information for hand scoring completed tests. Use the tables in the book to convert test scores to grade equivalents for determining the examinee’s level of functional literacy. Check carefully - it is easy to use the wrong Norm’s Chart!
You will be using page 77 “TABE-Form 9 Survey Level D” from the Norms Book to score the TABE 9 Level D Survey Test.
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The next slide shows the front cover of the Norms Book.
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Materials Checklist for Testing
For the Examiner: TABE 9 and 10 Survey Test Directions Extra test books Extra No. 2 pencils Do not disturb signs Stop watch or other time piece
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Materials Checklist for Testing (continued) For the Examinee: TABE 9 Survey Test Book, Level D, Reading
test pages 1 through 15. TABE Form 9 and 10, Level D, answer
sheet No. 2 pencil
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Guidelines For Test Administration Preparing the Examinees: Tell the examinees that the test will cover basic
reading skills that they use in their everyday lives.
Let examinees know that there is no special preparation needed for testing.
Explain to examinees that they are not expected to answer all questions correctly, but encourage them to attempt all items.
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Preparing the Examiner: Study all test information and share it with any
proctors helping you administer the test. Become familiar with the testing schedule, test
content, directions for administration, and method of marking answers.
Study each sample item, its correct answer, and the rationale for its solution.
Guidelines For Test Administration (continued)
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Rehearse the testing situation by taking the
test, reading the directions aloud, and noting the time.
Make sure the testing area is free from distractions. There should be no interruptions or breaks during testing time.
Guidelines For Test Administration (continued)
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Guidelines for Effective Testing
Check to be sure you have all the test materials assembled for
quick distribution. Carefully read the directions for
completing the examinee-identifying data, marking answers, and administering the test.
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Guidelines for Effective Testing (Continued)
Make sure you follow the test administration directions precisely.
Make sure that the examinees understand the instructions and allow time for questions before starting the test session.
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Preparation For Test Administration General Directions: To ensure reliable results it is important to follow all directions in the TABE Form 9-10
Survey Test Directions book for administering your organization’s TABE reading test.
The instructions in the Specific Directions section, pages 33-37, should be followed exactly.
Material that is to be read aloud to the examinees is printed in dark type and is preceded by the word “Say”. All other information is for the examiner and should not be read aloud.
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Specific Directions for Completing the Identifying Information section of the answer sheet:
The Identifying Information should be completed on the answer sheet before starting the timed TABE test.
Tell the examinee to follow the specific directions on the form when completing this information.
Preparation For Test Administration (Cont.)
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Procedures for Starting the TABE Survey Form 9, Reading Test:
Assure that all examinees have correctly completed the Identifying Information on the TABE Survey answer sheet.
Assure that the directions from the TABE Survey answer sheet for marking answers have been reviewed with the examinees.
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Procedures for Starting the TABE Test (Continued)
Complete sample questions with the examinees from the TABE Survey Reading test, using the specific directions from the TABE Survey Test Directions book.
Start the TABE Survey Reading test by reading verbatim the specific instructions found on pages 35, 36 and 37 in the TABE Survey test directions book.
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Procedures for Starting the TABE Test (Continued) The examinees should follow along in
their corresponding test book. They may begin the test when you are sure they understand the directions.
Remember – Allow only 25 minutes for the test; then stop the TABE Reading test using the specific directions from the TABE Survey test book.
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Timing the TABE Test
•Accurate timing is important to ensure reliable results. A stopwatch or other timepiece should be used to time the test.
25 minutes are allowed for the TABE 9 Survey Test. Examinees should begin working when examiner is sure that all examinees understand the directions and gives the command, “You may begin.”
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Timing the TABE Test (continued) Examinees should stop immediately when the
examiner indicates time is up by saying “Stop.” Examinees who finish the test before time is
called may review any items within the reading test until time is called.
Only schedule tests when you are sure there will be adequate time to complete the testing during that period.
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After the Testing has Started: Monitor each examinee to be sure that they
are marking the answers properly. They should mark only one response for each question and cross out (for SCOREZE answer sheets) any discarded or changed response.
Immediately collect all test books and answer sheets after the testing is completed.
Score the completed tests. Determine the grade equivalent for each examinee.
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POLICY ON RETESTING If an individual scores below an 8th grade reading Level on the TABE test, the test cannot be re-administered for six months unless a different test book is used. I.e, if you administer TABE 10 the first time, you could retest using TABE 9 within a few days. However, if the testee doesn’t test out at an 8th grade reading level on either of the 2 different tests, he/she would need to wait 6 months to retake the test.
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TESTING ACCOMODATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY
McGraw Hill allows two categories of accommodation for students having a formal diagnosis of a learning disability from a qualified professional that do not affect the validity of the test.
Category 1: Students may take the test alone or in a study carrel/cubicle.
Category 2: Students may use extra time when taking the test.
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WHEN TO USE PROCTORS If you are testing a large group of individuals, a proctor will be needed to assist in conducting the test; otherwise, the test administrator will also serve as the proctor.
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Proctor Responsibilities
Before Testing- Proctors should help prepare the room for testing, and assist in the distribution of materials.
At the Beginning of Testing- Proctors should be introduced and assigned to the examinees that they will be assisting during the testing session. Proctors may help the examinees complete the identifying information on their answer sheets.
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Notify the examiner if an examinee is having problems understanding testing procedures. After such problems have been resolved and testing has begun, the only assistance given should be in the mechanics of taking the test. Help those examinees that are not marking the score sheet correctly.
During Testing Proctor Should:
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During Testing Examiner and/or Proctor Should: Make certain that the examinee is marking
only one answer for each item. Make sure that each examinee is marking in
the correct place. Discourage talking and do not allow the
sharing of answers.
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During Testing, Proctor Should:
Inform the examiner if any unusual problems arise.
Allow adequate time for giving assistance to all examinees needing assistance.
At the end of testing, Proctors should assist the examiners in collecting all test materials.
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If Examinees Ask Questions During Test:
Do not show or suggest the correct answer to the examinee. (If an examinee asks, “Is this right?” the examinor and/or proctor should give a response such as “You choose the one you think is right and then go on.”)
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Processing Completed Tests Collecting Tests From Examinees - Upon
completion of the TABE test the examiner and/or proctor should:
immediately collect answer sheets and test manuals.
The TABE test should not be scored by the examinee.
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Scoring the TABE Test
Marking one and only one answer choice is a valid response.
Omitting an item or marking more than one answer choice is a non-valid response.
Marking the correct answer choice and no other answer choice is a correct response.
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Scoring the TABE Test (Continued)
Marking an incorrect answer choice and no other answer choice
is an incorrect response.
(Directions also appear on page 4 of the actual SCOREZE answer sheet.)
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Scoring The TABE Answer Sheet Tear off the perforated strip and
open the answer sheet after the testing session has been completed.
The answers appear on Page 2 of the answer sheet.
Answer sheets are light green; the marks that appear in the white spaces are correct answers.
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Scoring The TABE Answer Sheet (Continued)
If a mark in a white space has been crossed out and then circled, the item is correct. If the mark has been crossed out but not circled, the item is incorrect.
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NORMS CHARTS
There are norms charts for a variety of TABE tests in the Forms 9 and 10 Norms Book. This training only explains the TABE 9 Survey, Level D Reading chart. The next slide is a copy of this chart that can be found on page 37 in the Norms Book.
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This is the table from the Norms Book that is used to score the TABE Survey Level D Reading test.
“NC” Number Correct;
“GE” Grade Equi-
valancy.
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Scoring the TABE Answer Sheet Any item that has more than one answer
marked, with no answer crossed out, is considered non-valid.
Count the number of correct answers. Write the Number-Correct Score in the appropriate box on the answer sheet. (see next slide)
The table you will use to convert the number of correct answers to grade equivalent scores is on Page 77 of your Norms Book -TABE-Forms 9 Survey Level D.
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It is important to remember that we are only interested converting the number correct (NC) on the TABE test to the appropriate grade equivalent (GE). For example, 21 correct answers converts to a grade GE of 11.2.
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This is the SCOREZE ANSWER SHEET (where you record the examinee’s TABE test score)
Record the converted grade equivalent score in the appropriate space on the answer sheet (Summary of Scores).
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MAINTAINING TABE RECORDS
The completed original of the TABE test answer sheet should be maintained in the DSP’s training records.
TABE test score sheets are subject to
review by Quality Management and other reviewing bodies.
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TABE TEST ACTIVITY
Now, for your own practice, follow the specific guidelines for administering the TABE test and please take the TABE 9 Survey, Level D, Reading test. Then score the completed test and convert it to a grade equivalent using the directions on your answer sheet and the Norms chart.
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You may now proceed to the test for this training module. You will earn 3 CE credits by correctly answering all the test questions. The test can be retaken if necessary. If you have any questions, please contact: I llinois Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilit ies at 217-782-9438
