Research:
·
100 % Online Testing
·
Immediate Score Reporting –
for most results
o
Certification candidates
receive a detailed report shortly after test date
o
Multiple-Choice Tests –
results are given at test site, and score reports are sent within 2 weeks
o
Constructed-Response Tests –
scores are released within 4 weeks
Scoring:
o
There is a National Benchmark
Score for each test/subtest – but each
state may have an independent passing score
o
NES National Benchmark score for all tests is
220 – But the passing score may differ based on certification agency in each
state
o
Score is based on the number
of raw score points earned on each section, the proportion accounted for by
each section (if applicable), and the scaling of that score
o
Raw scores are converted to a
scale of 100-300
§ Constructed-Response Scoring – based on
performance characteristics and the score scale (SEE PREP MATERIALS)
§ Generally – Constructed Responses are scored
on: Purpose, Subject Matter Knowledge, Support, and Rationale using a 4-1 scale,
B, or U (more clearly defined on each set of test prep materials)
Sample English Language Arts:
Competencies:
0009 Understand the conventions of Standard American English and the elements
of effective composition.
Testing Strategies:
·
Follow all directions/Complete
the tutorial (Windows system)
·
Pace your work, read
carefully, review your work
·
***Not penalized for guessing, scored based on
right answers*** (Multiple-Choice)
·
3 hours – 150 multiple choice
questions
Experience/Observations:
·
I am lacking in previous
experience as the only teacher-related standardized test I’ve had to take is
the West-B Writing test. The NES seems far longer and more intricately detailed
as to required knowledge than the West-B test so I have no real comparison
experience
·
As of right now based on my
research, I am leery of the NES test. It is simply too new and there is not
enough accurate review information on the test. Earlier reports (2001) of the
test were uncomplimentary stating the test was racially biased, controversial,
and lacked presentation of proper data for the test (fairtest.org)
·
I disagree with the lack of
access to testing materials. All exposure to sample test questions require a
purchase of materials. I think this is detrimental for students deciding which
test to take prior to the September 2014 cut-off
Applicable to Teachers:
·
The NES is obviously
important to Washington state teachers as this test will be replacing the
West-E in order for new teachers to be certified. All teachers must pass the
West-E/NES test to confirm their content area knowledge (WEST-E no longer
available after Sept 2014)
·
There are no substitutions for the West-E test,
I will assume there will be no substitutions for the NES
Applicable to our Students:
·
This information is applicable
to our students because now that we know more about the route to becoming a
teacher we can advise our students who want to be future teachers, accordingly.
Future teachers of Washington state will have to pass the NES and based on this
research and experience we will have a more intimate knowledge of the NES test
and can better prepare our students for their future teaching career
Citation:
·
Background Information on test: http://www.nestest.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_AboutTheNES.html
·
Location for Study Materials: http://www.myneslab.com/first-time-students.html
·
Review on NES test: http://fairtest.org/reports-blast-teacher-tests
·
OSPI, Information on acceptable teacher assessments: http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/FAQ.aspx
Attached Word Document for reference as well:
