The current versions of the BEST assessments BEST Plus 2.0 and BEST Literacy will be sunset on June 30, 2025. All sales are final. Please monitor your remaining tests and order only what you need during this time. For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions.
BEST Plus 2.0 begins with training to ensure accurate use and scoring of the test. All administrators are required to attend a training workshop conducted by a certified BEST Plus 2.0 trainer before they may begin testing.
BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Guide
Users of BEST Plus 2.0 must thoroughly review the BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Guide to become familiar with the testing and scoring procedures.
Goals of the BEST Plus 2.0 Training Workshops
The goal of the BEST Plus 2.0 Training Workshops is to prepare participants to administer BEST Plus 2.0 via both the computer-adaptive and semi-adaptive print-based versions, instruct participants in using the BEST Plus Scoring Rubric, and provide participants the opportunity to practice administering and scoring BEST Plus 2.0.
The computer-adaptive version of BEST Plus 2.0 selects the test items appropriate for the examinee and produces an immediate score report. The test takes 3 to 20 minutes, depending on the proficiency level of the examinee.
How It Works
Each test begins with a series of warm-up questions delivered and scored by a trained test administrator. Then, the software selects subsequent test questions based on the test administrator’s scores of the examinee’s responses to previous questions. The questions are displayed on the screen for the test administrator to read and ask the examinee. Using the BEST Plus 2.0 Scoring Rubric, the test administrator scores each response and enters it into the computer using the mouse or a keypad. The BEST Plus 2.0 software ensures that examinees do not receive the same question twice. When the BEST Plus 2.0 software determines that sufficient scores have been collected to accurately estimate the examinee’s proficiency level, the test stops.
Generating Score Reports
Informative score reports are generated for both the computer-adaptive and print-based versions using the BEST Plus 2.0 Score Management Software. The software allows users to perform many tasks related to managing the data residing in the secure and password-protected database used in the BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administration Program. The BEST Plus 2.0 Scores Database stores all data associated with test administrations.
The semi-adaptive print-based version of BEST Plus 2.0 is available in three parallel forms (D, E, and F) each containing three possible levels (1, 2, and 3). The test administrator uses an Examinee Test Booklet and a reusable corresponding Picture Cue Book for each administration. The test takes 3 to 20 minutes, depending on the proficiency level of the examinee.
How It Works
Each test begins with a brief set of locator questions delivered and scored by a trained test administrator to determine the level of subsequent test items (level 1, 2, or 3) that are appropriate for the ability level of the examinee. Items are arranged in fixed-form level tests (Levels 1, 2, and 3). After the locator questions have been asked and the score tallied, the test will either end at that point or continue with one of the three levels.
For example, if the scores on the locator questions warrant level 2, the test administrator asks only the questions in that level. Each response is scored by the test administrator using the BEST Plus 2.0 Scoring Rubric. Once all questions have been scored, the test ends.
Generating Score Reports
Scores from the semi-adaptive print-based version must be entered into the BEST Plus 2.0 Score Management Software which calculates the reportable scale score. The scale score is included on the informative score report generated for each examinee.
During the training, the trainer provides the workshop participants with an overview of the development and the purposes of BEST Plus 2.0. Participants are guided through scoring benchmarks and practice administering the test and scoring responses in a group environment.
BEST Plus 2.0 training can be customized to highlight the computer-adaptive or semi-adaptive print-based version of the test depending on the program’s needs. Test administrators often comment that the training workshop is a good professional development opportunity to understand oral proficiency in the context of an assessment.
BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Training Options
Test Administrators can either be trained through a CAL facilitated workshop (Option 1) or by attending a workshop hosted by a state training partner (Option 2)
Option 1: CAL facilitated training workshop
CAL conducts virtual training workshops with experienced BEST Plus 2.0 trainers multiple times a year. These workshops are open to any registered participants. The 2023-24 program year schedule— including registration links—is available below.
CAL also offers private (contracted) training workshops with a more customizable schedule to meet your program’s needs. CAL has experience working with programs to determine the number of test administrators needed to meet your program needs. Our pricelist provides you with the cost per workshop depending on the number of Test Administrator candidates you wish to train. Please do not hesitate to e-mail us or call us for any questions on private training workshops.
During the training, the trainer provides the workshop participants with an overview of the development and the purposes of BEST Plus 2.0. Participants are guided through scoring benchmarks and practice administering the test and scoring responses in a group environment.
BEST Plus 2.0 training can be customized to highlight the computer-adaptive or semi-adaptive print-based version of the test depending on the program’s needs. Test administrators often comment that the training workshop is a good professional development opportunity to understand oral proficiency in the context of an assessment.
BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Training Options
Test Administrators can either be trained through a CAL facilitated workshop (Option 1) or by attending a workshop hosted by a state training partner (Option 2)
Training Calendar for 2024 Program Year
Links to register for available trainings are listed below:
Month | Training | Dates | Registration Info |
|---|---|---|---|
September | BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Training | 09/10/2024 - 09/12/2024 | |
October | BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Training | 10/29/2024 - 10/31/2024 | |
November | BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Training | 11/19/2024 - 11/21/2024 |
BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Training (Virtual)
What is the schedule?
Day 1, 1:00-4:00 pm Eastern time via Zoom
Day 2, self-paced via CAL’s Learning Management System
Day 3, 1-4:30 pm Eastern time via Zoom
Who this is for?
Those looking to become a Test Administrator of BEST Plus 2.0
What you will learn?
Understanding the Scoring Rubric; Demo of BEST Plus 2.0 Software; and Practice & Application via Calibration Activity
What do you need?
To participate, you will need a stable internet connection, audio/visual equipment to participate in videoconferencing, and a PC to run the BEST Plus 2.0 software. BEST Plus 2.0 software runs on Windows XP or higher operating system
What materials will CAL provide?
CAL staff will provide you with digital copies of the BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Guide, BEST Plus Scoring Rubric, and BEST Plus 2.0 Software.
Option 2: Attend a training workshop hosted by a state training partner
These states have certified BEST Plus 2.0 trainers who periodically offer BEST Plus 2.0 test administrator training. Pricing and schedules are determined by state training partners.
Alabama | Louisiana | North Carolina | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|---|
Alaska | Maryland | North Dakota | Texas |
Colorado | Massachusetts | Ohio | Utah |
Delaware | Mississippi | Oklahoma | Virginia |
District of Columbia | Montana | Oregon | West Virginia |
Georgia | Nebraska | Pennsylvania | Wisconsin |
Illinois | New Jersey | Rhode Island | Wyoming |
Kentucky | New York | South Carolina |
Customized Trainings Available for Your Program!
CAL can offer customized trainings to meet your program’s needs. These trainings include Test Administrator Refresher trainings, Trainings of Trainers, and personalized and private BEST Plus 2.0 Test Administrator Trainings. Please contact us via email. CAL will get back to you within two business days.
