Test items include reading dates on a calendar, addressing an envelope, writing a check, reading a schedule, writing personal information, reading articles and other documents, and writing a short personal note.
BEST Literacy measures reading and writing skills and correlates to Student Performance Levels (SPL) 0 to 8 and the National Reporting System (NRS) Educational Function Levels from Beginning ESL Literacy to Advanced ESL. See this link for SPL Descriptors.
CAL does not require BEST Literacy training; however, BEST Literacy test administrators and scorers must read and review the BEST Literacy Test Manual before and after administering the test. Individual states and programs may have their own training requirements in order to administer BEST Literacy. Please check your state’s or funder’s assessment policy for more information about using BEST Literacy.
To get started using BEST Literacy, you will need to know how many students you will be pre- and posttesting to determine the number of test packets to order. Test booklets and corresponding scoring sheets are sold in packets of 20 per form (B, C, and D).
You will also need to order enough copies of the Test Manual for your test administrators and scorers to read and review before and after testing. Next, you will want to contact your state’s or funder’s professional development office or coordinator to find out if the state requires BEST Literacy training.
BEST Literacy materials can be purchased online through the CAL Store or by calling 1-800-551-3709 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern Time.