TASC
Agenda
• TASC Overview
– TASC Common Core transition
– TASC test design and developmental foundation
– Subtests
• Language Arts -Reading
• Language Arts -Writing
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Testing Room Preparation
• Standard Testing Procedures
• Test Administration
– TASC Paper and Pencil
– TASC Online
• Post Administration Procedures
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What is TASC?
• The Test Assessing Secondary Completion is CTB/McGrawHill’s high school equivalency test
• Accessible to the approximately 40 million adults in the U.S.
without high school or equivalency diplomas
• Measures readiness for college or workforce as outlined by
the Common Core State Standards and relative to that of
graduating high school seniors
• Examinee Cost - $0 in New York State
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Measurement of Common Core
State Standards
• TASC provides a transition to Common Core State Standards
(CCSS) over a three year period - 2014 to 2016 inclusive
• TASC will increase the Depth Of Knowledge (DOK) level of
items over time allowing states to gradually move from the
essential concepts of the Common Core State Standards to
deeper understanding
• TASC supports adult learners and adult education centers as
they shift from current preparation practices to those
required for the full depth and breadth of CCSS
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Delivery Format
• TASC is available in 2 formats:
– Paper-and-pencil
– Online
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TASC Readiness Assessment
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Official (Practice) Readiness Test
Pre-Readiness embedded in curriculum
Developed and Field Tested with TASC
Half the length of TASC
Available both Online and Paper Based
– Paper Test Locally scored
• Predictive Diagnostics for TASC
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Subject Areas
TASC assesses five subject areas including:
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English Language Arts: Reading
– Common Core State Standards
– College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education
•
English Language Arts: Writing
– Common Core State Standards
– College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education
•
Mathematics
– Traditional mathematical pathway of the Common Core State Standards
– College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education
•
Science
– Next Generation Science Standards
•
Social Studies
– CTB Social Studies Standards are based on national frameworks in the areas of US
history, world history, civics and government, and economics
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Test Formats
• Three TASC forms are available each year in
both English and Spanish for each of the
subtests
– Forms A, B, and C
• Test formats include:
– Large print
– Braille
– Audio
– Paper and pencil
– Online assessments
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TASC Test Design
• 2014 test includes:
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Multiple-choice items (4 answer choices; a, b, c, d)
Writing prompt (evidence-based writing)
Gridded-response items (Mathematics)
Stimulus-based science and social studies item sets
• 2015 test (and beyond) includes an increased
coverage of the CCSS through inclusion of additional
item types and increased rigor
– Constructed-response items
– Technology-enhanced items
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Estimated Time to Complete
Test Sessions
• The maximum length of time for a test session in which all five (5) subtests
are given is approximately 8.5 hours which includes approximately 420
minutes (7 Hours) for testing. The approximate time for each subtest is
listed below:
Subject
Domain
Est. time to Complete
Language Arts
Reading
70 minutes
Writing
50 minutes
Language
60 minutes
Language Arts
Mathematics
90 minutes
Social Studies
70 minutes
Science
80 minutes
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TASC – Language Arts/Reading
The TASC emphasizes the Common Core State Standards
for Reading for grades 9-12 that are the most relevant to
College and Career Readiness.
Domain/Reporting Category
Approximate
Domain
Coverage
Reading – Informational and
Language (vocabulary acquisition)
Reading – Literary and
Language (vocabulary acquisition)
Time to
Complete
Number of Items
70%
70 minutes
30%
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50 MC items
7-8 passages
TASC: Language Arts/Reading
• Six texts representing a variety of genres, with an emphasis on
– literary fiction and nonfiction
– historical, scientific, and technical informational texts.
• Texts require close, analytic reading, and associated test items
focus on examinees’ use of evidence to support their analyses
(claims, conclusions, inferences) about texts.
• A portion of the Reading score points (10%-15%) are derived
from items that assess language acquisition and use.
– Vocabulary items assess the use of word analysis skills, use of reading closely, and
using a variety of resources and analytic skills to determine meanings in context
and interpret the author’s use of figurative language and literary devices.
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TASC: Language Arts/Reading
High Emphasis:
• Informational Reading: Key Ideas and Details
• Informational Reading: Craft and Structure
• Literature Reading: Key Ideas and Details
• Language: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
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TASC – Language Arts /Writing
The TASC emphasizes the Common Core State Standards
for Language (grades 7-12 accumulative) and Writing
(grades 11-12) that are the most relevant to College and
Career Readiness.
Domain/Reporting Category
Approximate
Domain
Coverage
Time to
Complete
Number of
Items
Language
100%
60 minutes
50 MC items
50 minutes
1 prompt
based on
1-2 passages
Writing
100%
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
TASC: Language Arts/Writing
• The primary claims for the Language Arts/Writing
test can be used to make inferences about whether
examinees have learned to:
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read and interpret complex text
anchor their interpretations in text
use reading to interpret unfamiliar vocabulary
use information from what they have read to support the ideas in their
writing
– use skills and rules necessary for editing and revision of their writing
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TASC: Language Arts/Writing
• Two-part Language Arts/Writing component
• Part 1: Multiple Choice
– Editing/revision items assessing skills such as:
• Revising text structure
• Creating divisions to achieve more effective text
organization that provides a more unified and clear
meaning
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
TASC: Language Arts/Writing
Read these sentences.
Waiting for news about the flight delay, Sam looked for a quiet place in the noisy
terminal to make a phone call. Jordan tried to find an outlet where she could plug in
her computer.
Which revision most clearly combines the two sentences?
A. Waiting for news about the flight delay, Sam, while Jordan tried to find an
outlet where she could plug in her computer, looked for a quiet place in
the noisy terminal to make a phone call.
B. Waiting for news about the flight delay, Sam and Jordan looked for a
quiet place in the noisy terminal to make a phone call and tried to find an
outlet where she could plug in her computer.
C. Waiting for news about the flight delay, Sam looked for a quiet place in
the noisy terminal to make a phone call, while Jordan tried to find an
outlet where she could plug in her computer.
D. Waiting for news about the flight delay, Sam looked for a quiet place in
the noisy terminal to make a phone call, although Jordan tried to find an
outlet where she could plug in her computer.
Answer: C
DOK:2
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TASC: Language Arts/Writing
Part 2: Writing
• Students will write an evidence-based
informative/explanatory or an argument/opinion essay that
effectively uses source text to support claims
• Source texts are between 600-800 word and focus on
assessing writing standards 1 and 2
• Examinees are permitted 50 minutes for this component
• The essay is scored using the applicable 0-4 point holistic
rubric with descriptors that focus on the expectations of the
CCSS Writing standards
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
TASC: Language Arts/Writing
Language Emphasis :
• Demonstrate command of the following conventions of standard English
– grammar usage
– capitalization
– punctuation
– spelling
• Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different
contexts to improve comprehension
Writing Emphasis:
• Write arguments/opinions to support claims
OR
• Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas,
concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection,
organization, and analysis of content.
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TASC – Mathematics
• The Standards for Mathematical Practice, as well as the High School
Modeling domain, are not separately assessed and reported on
TASC, but are skills that are incorporated throughout the assessment
of the content standards.
Domain/Reporting Category
Number and Quantity
Algebra
Functions
Geometry
Statistics and Probability
Approximate
Domain
Coverage
15%
25%
25%
25%
10%
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Time to
Complete
90 minutes
Number of Items
40 MC items
12 GR items
TASC Test Design
Gridded-response items (Mathematics) Sample Below
Consider this function.
f (x) = – 2 x + 7
What is f (− 3)?
Answer Key: 13
DOK: 1
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TASC: Mathematics
• Items assess examinee ability to solve routine and
non-routine mathematics problems using the
application of conceptual and procedural knowledge
• Mathematics test consists of a calculator section and
a non-calculator section
Calculator: TI-30XS
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TASC: Mathematics
High Emphasis
• Algebra: Arithmetic with Polynomials and Rational
Expressions
• Algebra: Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities
• Algebra: Creating Equations
• Algebra: Seeing Structure in Expressions
• Functions: Interpreting Functions
• Functions: Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models
• Geometry: Geometric Measurement with Dimension
• Geometry: Modeling with Geometry
• Number and Quantity: The Real Number System
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
TASC – Science
The TASC is designed to assess the performance expectations in the Next
Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Domain/Reporting Category
Approximate
Time to
Domain Coverage Complete
Physical Science
Life Science
33%
Earth and Space Science
33%
Number of
Items
34%
Engineering, Technology, and Application of
Science
(integrated across content domains)
Scientific and Engineering practices
(integrated across content domains)
Cross-cutting Concepts
(integrated across content domains)
80 minutes
100%
100%
100%
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
47 MC items
8 stimuli
TASC: Science
Physical Sciences
• Matter and Its Interactions
• Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
• Energy
• Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer
•
• Life Sciences
• From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
• Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
• Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
• Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
•
Earth and Space Sciences
• Earth’s Place in the Universe
• Earth’s Systems
• Earth and Human Activity
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
TASC Test Design
• Stimulus-based science item sets
SCIENCE:
A certain plant species varies in the shape of its leaf edges. Some of the plants have wavy-edged
leaves, and some of the plants have straight-edged leaves. In this plant species, the trait for leafedge shape is controlled by a single gene. The dominant allele is represented by L, and the recessive
allele is represented by l.
Two plants with wavy-edged leaves are crossed with each other, producing 421 offspring plants. Of
these, 298 offspring plants have wavy-edged leaves, and 123 offspring plants have straight-edged
leaves.
What are the genotypes of the parent plants in this cross?
A. Ll and ll
B. Ll and Ll
C. LL and ll
D. LL and Ll
Answer: B DOK: 3
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
TASC – Social Studies
TASC will use national standards created by groups that specialize in the following
domains: U.S. History, World History, Civics and Government, Geography, and
Economics
Domain/Reporting Category
Approximate
Domain
Coverage
US History
World History
25%
15%
Civics and Government
25%
Geography
Economics
15%
20%
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Time to
Complete
70 minutes
Number of
Items
47 MC items
8 stimuli
TASC: Social Studies
High Emphasis
• U.S. History: Post-War United States (1945-1970s)
• U.S. History: The Great Depression and World War II (19291945)
• U.S. History: Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877)
• Civics and Government: U.S. Constitution: Embodies the
Purpose, Values, and Principles of American Democracy
• Civics and Government: Civic Life, Politics, and Government
• Civics and Government: Foundations of the American Political
System
• Economics: Government and Economics
• Economics: Microeconomics
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
TASC Test Design
• Stimulus-based social studies item sets
SOCIAL STUDIES:
Look at the chart. Then answer the questions that follow.
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
TASC Test Design
• Stimulus-based social studies item sets
SOCIAL STUDIES:
Which of these organizations was formed to prevent a common threat?
A. NATO
B. OPEC
C. EU
D. WTO
Answer: A DOK: 2
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Testing Preparation
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Test Administration Staffing
• State or Area Administrator (GED® Test Administrator)
– Responsible for the secure and legally defensible operation and administration
of the TASC throughout the state or designated area
– Sets the policy for staffing requirements
• Test Coordinator (GED® Chief Examiner)
– Responsible for supporting the State or Area Administrator in the conduct of
secure and legally defensible TASC administration
– Carries out the instructions provided in the Test Coordinators’ Manual
• Examiner (GED® Examiner/Proctor)
– Under the direction of the Test Coordinator
– Responsible for carrying out the instructions provided in the Examiner’s
Manual including work during testing associated with the actual standardized
and accommodated administration of the tests
– 1 Examiner per 20 test takers is required
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Staffing Qualifications
• All testing center staff should be trained in the administration of
secure, standardized tests in general and in the administration of
the TASC in particular
• Must be a distinct firewall between TASC administration and TASC
instruction and preparation
• Qualifications of the Test Coordinator include:
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Bachelor’s degree or equivalent business experience is preferred
Prior experience proctoring and administering tests
Strong communication and customer service skills
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. on occasion
Experience with MS Office Suite, Windows applications, Apple OS applications, Internet and
email
– Strong proficiency in English language
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Physical Layout of Testing Room
• Examinees should have sufficient space to allow for
a private and secure testing environment
• Testing room should be outfitted with comfortable
seating
• There should be sufficient tabletop space to allow
the examinee to work with scratch paper
• Tables/desks should be arranged such that staff
can easily pass between them
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Testing Room Preparation
• Testing center should be a clean, well lit, quiet area
that is free from distractions such as bells or
telephones. It should also:
– Have easy access to restrooms and water fountains
– Provide adequate space for the examiner to be able to monitor and
view the examinees at all times
– Be arranged such that the needs of examinees with testing
accommodations and partial testers can be met
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Testing Room Preparation
• Remove or cover all classroom visual aids such as wall posters
or other items in the testing area that might provide answers
to test questions
• Use a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door of the testing room
• On the board or flip chart, etc. which is fully accessible to all
examinees indicate starting and stopping times for each
subtest when applicable
• Announce to the examinees the amount of time remaining for
each subtest (e.g. 30 minutes, 15, 10, etc….)
• Ensure that a clock is in the room and is visible to all
examinees
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Test Administration
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Executed Test Center Agreement
• Approval by the State:
– NYSED will identify and approve the Test Center and each of its respective
Addendum Sites, if any, for administration of TASC and will notify CTB in
writing
• Acceptance by CTB:
– CTB will provide acceptance of Test Center prior to the first TASC test
administration by the Test Center providing the Test Center can:
• (i) provide secured testing services for TASC and comply with all terms
and conditions of the Agreement;
• (ii) provide adequate and qualified staff that will comply with the Test
Coordinator’s Manual and the Test Examiner’s Manual;
• (iii) is geographically located within the State and meets all site
requirements;
• (iv) has or will be able to meet all training requirements
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Materials Ordering Process
1.
NYSED orders test materials
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−
2.
CTB fulfills and ships order to test site
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−
3.
Includes test books, calculators, Examiner’s Manual, answer sheets, GIS (Group Information
Sheet) and TSL (Test Site List) sheets
Additional materials may be ordered through CTB Customer Service at (888) 282-0589
Test Coordinator inventories and securely stores received materials
and fills out appropriate inventory sheets
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−
−
4.
Test sites will be responsible for providing quantities to NYSED who will place the order with
CTB
Alternate forms may be ordered through NYSED
If a discrepancy is found, the Test Coordinator notifies CTB and the State Administrator
The Security Checklist (inventory sheet) is included with the shipment
Test Coordinators must send Part 3 of the Security Checklist back to CTB/McGraw-Hill within 24
hours to confirm that all serial numbered materials have been received
Test Site tests examinees using the defined processes as outlined by
the Test Coordinator Manual and Examiner Manual
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Standard Testing Procedures
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Examinee Eligibility
• Individuals are eligible to take the TASC if they:
– Are not enrolled in regular high school AND
– Have not already received a high school equivalency diploma OR
– Have not received a high school diploma recognized by NYS
• In order to take the test the examinee is required to:
– Be at least 19 years of age OR be at least 16 years of age and meet all
eligibility requirements as outlined in Commissioner’s Regulations
100.7
– Be a New York State resident for at least 30 days
– Have a valid, current, government-issued ID with a recent photo such
as a driver’s license, non-driver’s license ID, passport or U.S. Military ID
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Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Plan Your Testing Schedule
• Read and be thoroughly familiar with the Examiner’s
Manual and requirements prior to testing
• Plan test administration accordingly for examinees
requiring accommodations
• Allow sufficient time for examinee to fill in the
demographic information and complete the scheduled
test(s)
• Schedule breaks, which are indicated in the specific
directions for each content area
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Sample Reading Question
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Key Elements of Research Design
• Spring/Summer 2013 Field Test
– Item analysis used for preliminary forms construction
– Items that do not demonstrate good measurement properties were
removed from the pool for operational form development and/or revised
for Fall field test
• Fall 2013 Research
– Item analysis, scaling, bias studies, operational form construction
– Comparability of computer-based and paper-based tests
– Comparability of Spanish and English tests
• Standard setting
– Pass scores will be set using a variety of methods including identifying the
scale locations at which we would expect approximately 60% of high
school students in the nation to pass all 5 TASC tests.
– Current pass rates are not expected to change substantially
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National Acceptance of TASC
• State Issues the final Credential
• US Department of Education
– OVAE
– HEP/CAMP
– Financial Aid
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•
•
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•
US Chamber of Commerce
US Department of Labor
National Association of Workforce Boards
Job Corps
Leadership Conference
Correctional Education Association
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Communication
• TASC Website
– www.tasctest.com
• Sample questions
• Overview chart of content coverage
• additional information for educators and students
• Social Media
• Facebook.com/TheTASCTest
• Twitter.com/TheTASCTest
• TheTASCTest.Wordpress.com/
• Training
– Regional Trainings
– Webinars
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Availability of Materials
• Collaborating with divisions in McGraw-Hill to produce
TASC and Common Core materials
– The Official Guide to the TASC – available in December
– Common Core Basics and Achieve
• Providing support to a variety of publishers
• Readiness assessment for state use
• Additional information will be posted on our website as it
becomes available
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.
Questions/Comments?
Mike Johnson
National Adult Education Manager
mike.johnson@ctb.com
630-995-6712
Copyright © 2013 CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC.