2012 Changes to the Basic Skills Exam
*Effective February, 2012*
Facts:
1) Effective February 2012 an expanded Illinois Test of Basic Skills will be implemented. The expanded test will include additional questions in each sub-area making the test longer. Furthermore, in order to align to the Common Core standards, probability will be added to the topics covered on the math sub-test. The time limit for the entire test will remain at 5 hours.
2) This enhanced test will only be available in a computer-based format through Pearson Vue Centers (the closest Pearson Vue Center is in Terre Haute, IN.). Individuals will be able to schedule a time to take the test whenever the test center is open (generally Monday-Saturday).
3) The cost of the enhanced test will be $170. If an individual only needs to retake one sub-test the fee will be $79 and a two hour time allotment.
4) The current paper/pencil version of the test will be offered through the April Administration (April 14, 2012). Between February and April individuals have the choice of taking either the enhanced computer based test or the paper/pencil test (on one of the regularly scheduled test dates). After April 14, 2012 the paper/pencil test will no longer be an option.
5) The enhanced Basic Skills Test is considered a new test so individuals will be allowed five times to pass the enhanced test regardless of number of times they attempted the previous Basic Skills Test.
6) Individuals who have previously taken and passed specific sub-tests will continue to have those areas they passed “banked” and will not be required to re-take those sub-tests on the enhanced Basic Skills Test.
7) The minimum passing scores for each of the sub-tests on the enhanced Basic Skills Test will be reviewed and set by the Illinois State Board of Education. This process will cause a delay in reporting of scores for individuals who take the enhanced computer-based test in February.
FICTION:
1) The test/scoring will be easier-FALSE. Response – The test will actually be longer and the content covered on the test remains unchanged with the exception of adding probability to the math sub-test. Furthermore, while the minimum passing scores are being reviewed and re-set the impact on the overall pass rate is unknown. Individuals should continue to spend significant
time preparing for the test.
2) Test scores will be available immediately-FALSE. Response – After the first few months, unofficial score reports for all sub-tests other than Writing will be available immediately, however official score reports required by University’s for enrollment in teacher education programs will only be reported once per month.
2010 Changes to the Basic Skills Exam
Effective September 2010, the State of Illinois increased the minimum passing scores required on the Basic Skills Test. In order to pass the test, candidates must achieve passing scores (80%) on each of the three sub-tests (Reading Comprehension, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing). If a candidate, on a test attempt on or after September 2010, passes one or more of the sub-tests they will not need to retake that sub-test (although the cost remains the same). Information for candidates on retaking the Basic Skills can be found on the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS).
The test itself has not changed but the increase in minimum passing scores is dramatic. To pass a given sub-test they need to answer approximately 80% of the items on that sub-test correct.
After two administrations, the state-wide pass rate on the Basic Skills Test as a whole is only about 25% (compared to over 70% passing under the old minimum scores) with pass rates on the individual sub-tests in Reading Comprehension, Language Arts and Mathematics all below 50% (the pass rate on the Writing sub-test is over 90%).
All candidates should be encouraged to review the test framework and at the very least take the Basic Skills Diagnostic Test prior to taking the test in order to identify their weaknesses (remember that a sub-test score of 80% or higher is required to pass a given sub-test). Furthermore, it is highly recommended that candidates develop a study plan focused on these areas of weakness using resources available on campus and on the web.
*REMEMBER: You are permitted to take this test, in it's entirety, ONLY 5 TIMES. To take a sub-test, you WILL need to take the entire test again.
Further Information
For additional information, please visit the College of Education & Professional Studies' website regarding Basic Skills Test information or consult the Frequently Asked Questions document.
