Module 4 - Administering and Scoring the Multiple-Choice Portion of the CLAS-E Writing Test

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys

Module 4 explains how to administer and score the multiple-choice portion of the CLAS-E Writing test. It covers selecting the correct CLAS-E Writing level for first-time and post-test students, using alternating forms for pre- and post-testing to improve result accuracy, and handling retesting guidelines. The module details required materials, how to implement adapted test directions, the marking and test-taking rules, and the certified administrator-only scoring process using the appropriate answer key.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Module 4: Administering and Scoring the Multiple-Choice Portion of the CLAS-E Writing Test

Administering the CLAS-E Writing and Selecting Levels

Test and Answer Materials

CLAS-E Test Books and Alternating Forms

Adapted Answer Sheet

Implementing the Adapted Test Directions

Scoring the Multiple-Choice Portion

Module 4: Administering and Scoring the Multiple-Choice Portion of the CLAS-E Writing Test In this module, you will learn more about administering and scoring the multiple-choice portion of the CLAS-E Writing, including information about alternating forms, post-testing, and interpreting the symbols used in the test directions. As explained in the previous module, test administrators should decide which CLAS-E Writing level to give to first-time test takers based on the Locator Test and consideration of any other relevant information (e.g., information from intake, classroom performance) . Students taking a post-test should be administered the same test level that was used for the pre-test. Once the appropriate level is selected, it is time to administer the CLAS-E Writing. Test taker materials: • Test Book for the appropriate CLAS-E Level and Form, • Adapted Multiple Choice Writing Answer Sheet for Form A and B and Levels 1-4 Test administrator materials: • Adapted TABE CLAS-E Writing Test Directions (multiple-choice portion) • One Test Book and one Adapted Answer Sheet to demonstrate the directions CLAS-E Test Books The multiple-choice portion of the CLAS-E Writing contains 20 items, and the number of items is the same for all levels. There are eight CLAS-E test books (two for each level): - Level 1 Form A, Level 1 Form B - Level 2 Form A, Level 2 Form B - Level 3 Form A, Level 3 Form B - Level 4 Form A, Level 4 Form B As previously mentioned, the two forms for each level assess the same content with different questions. To improve the accuracy of CLAS-E results, it is essential to alternate test forms between pre-and post-testing. For example, if a learner takes the Level 2 Form A assessment as the pre-test, the student must be given Level 2 Form B as the post-test. For programs that use a mid-year optional assessment, it is possible to pre-test with Form A, administer a mid-year optional assessment with Form B, and post-test with Form A within the same fiscal year. Switching to a higher test level after the pre-test is not recommended (e.g., ACLS does not recommend pre-testing with Level 2 and post-testing with Level 3) . If a learner is pre-tested with a certain level and the retesting guidelines do not recommend pre-testing again with a different level, using that same level for the post-test will give the learner the best opportunity to show learning growth. If the retesting guidelines recommend pre-testing again with a different level, then the second pre-test is the one that counts, and the level of that pre-test is the one that will give the learner the best chance to show improvement on the post-test. Adapted Answer Sheet The same Adapted Answer Sheet is used for all levels. It was created with permission from the test publisher to focus on the writing component of the CLAS-E. The Adapted Answer Sheet has space for test takers to write a letter indicating their answer for all 20 multiple-choice items, and the second page (not shown below) is reserved for scoring. Administrators should indicate the Form and Level of the Writing assessment selected on each learner’s the Adapted Answer Sheet. Implementing the Adapted Test Directions To reflect the use of the Adapted Answer Sheet, Adapted Test Directions were developed and must be followed every time. As a reminder, here is what the elements in the test directions mean: Please read through Adapted TABE CLAS-E Writing Test Directions (multiple choice portion): While administering the CLAS-E Writing, please follow the Adapted Test Directions precisely and make sure examinees are: ▪ marking their answer sheets correctly ▪ working in the correct section of the test ▪ not helping each other ▪ not using cell phones, even on restroom break. There is no penalty for guessing. However, if a learner is obviously marking answers randomly (e.g., rushing through the test without reading the questions before answering), trea

FAQs

How should test administrators select the CLAS-E Writing level for first-time and post-test students?

Administrators select the CLAS-E Writing level for first-time test takers using the Locator Test and any other relevant information. Post-test students should be administered the same test level used for the pre-test.

Why must test forms alternate between pre- and post-testing?

Alternating test forms helps improve the accuracy of CLAS-E results. A pre-test using one form requires using the other form for the post-test at the same level.

When and how is the multiple-choice portion scored?

Score the multiple-choice questions only after test takers complete both the multiple-choice and expository writing portions. Use the appropriate answer key for the correct test level and form to obtain the number-correct score, then record the administrator name and the learner’s score on the first page of the Adapted Answer Sheet.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys