TASC/TASC-ASL Test Results and Score Reporting

Test Scores and Passing Standards

The TASC and TASC-ASL have been designed to elicit a representative sample of a candidate's sign communication proficiency. The videotapes from the TASC and TASC-ASL are scored on a five-point scale using a holistic scoring process. The principle underlying the holistic scoring process is that performance during the interview will be evaluated on the basis of overall sign communication proficiency. That is, while a candidate is provided with tasks across a range of communication levels, scorer judgments will be based on how well the candidate communicates overall.

In holistic scoring, scorers evaluate the effectiveness of responses in terms of a set of overall descriptions of communication. The scoring process is holistic in that the score assigned to a candidate's performance reflects the overall effectiveness of the candidate's communication. For the TASC and TASC-ASL, "sign communication proficiency" is defined as the ability to communicate successfully both expressively and receptively.

At least three scorers view each videotape and, working in collaboration, rate the candidate's proficiency. Persons selected to be scorers are experts in sign communication. All have extensive experience in the education of the Deaf, ASL instruction or a related area. Scorers, as well as interviewers, can be individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or hearing.

Scorers use the TASC or TASC-ASL holistic rating scales to assign an overall score to the candidate's performance. The holistic rating scales present the criteria used for evaluation of the candidate' performance.

Each scale is a five-point scale, with "E" the lowest rating and "A" the highest. Each point on the scale represents a degree to which effective communication is demonstrated in the candidate's performance. The score point descriptions reflect typical levels of performance at each score point.

The passing score for the TASC and TASC-ASL (i.e., the minimum level of sign communication proficiency required for an entry-level educator to perform successfully in Texas schools) is set at Level C. TEA adopted the passing standards based upon recommendations of committees of Texas educators. Thus, performances rated at Levels A, B or C are considered to be passing performances on the TASC or TASC-ASL.

NOTE: On the TASC-ASL, you must respond only in ASL; use of non-ASL signing, including non-ASL grammar, will hurt your performance and may lower your holistic score.

The Analytic Feedback Scales
The TASC and TASC-ASL Analytic Feedback Scales in the test preparation manual for TASC and TASC-ASL provide additional information that further defines the criteria for effective sign communication. As a part of the scoring process, candidates who do not pass the test receive feedback on their score report indicating the performance characteristics in which they may need improvement. For the TASC and TASC-ASL, these performance characteristics have been defined as range of communication, comprehension and intelligibility, as demonstrated through fluency, vocabulary/grammar and use of space.

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Interpreting Your Scores

Your score shows how you performed on the test as a whole and whether you passed the test. For an explanation of the reporting and interpretation of scores on various tests, see Understanding Your Texas Educator Certification Program Test Scores (PDF). Further data about total scores for many of the Texas tests is available in Summary Statistics for Total Scores (PDF).

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Reporting Your Test Scores

Your score report will be available to you via your ETS testing account. It will provide information about your passing status and other performance information. Also provided is an explanation of how to read your score report. (See Test Scores and Passing Standards for information on the passing requirements for TASC and TASC-ASL tests.)

Score reports for TASC and TASC-ASL are posted by 5 p.m. CT on the score reporting date. Scores are viewable for 90 days.

Your scores are automatically made available to TEA and to your EPP (if applicable). Your score report is for your information only; there is no need to send it to TEA or your EPP. Under no circumstances will ETS or TEA release your score information by phone, fax, email or in person.

Paper score reports are not mailed. It is suggested that you print a copy of your online score report for your permanent records.

NOTE: Application for certification does not proceed automatically based upon receipt of your scores by TEA. To apply for certification, you must go to the TEA website and follow the application for certification instructions.

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Delay of Test Scores

Under some circumstances, scores may be delayed.

  • Scores for newly developed or substantially revised tests may be delayed in order to set passing scores.
  • Scores may be delayed due to problems with registration, failure to comply with the policies and procedures set forth in the Registration Bulletin and/or with instructions given by the test administrator.
  • Scores will be delayed if there are problems with your payment. See Fees for Tests and Related Services for more information.
  • Your scores may be permanently voided if you are completing certification requirements through an Educator Preparation Program and you have not provided proof that you have approval to test (i.e., a TEA ID number from your Educator Preparation Program). See Approval to Test for more information.

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Score Reporting Dates

Test Date

Score Reporting Date

11/17/12

12/14/12

4/20/13 

5/17/13


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Scoring Services

Score Verification
Test takers who do not pass may request score verification. Score verification services can be requested through your ETS testing account or by completing the Score Verification Request form (PDF) and mailing it to the address on the form with the correct payment. Requests are limited to a one-time score verification for any one test. See Fees for Tests and Related Services for information about payment. Your request must be submitted online or received within 3 months of the test date.

The results of the score verification process will be available within four to six weeks after receipt of the request and payment. In the event that the score verification process results in a change in your score, you will be notified, the score verification fee will be refunded and a corrected score report will be posted to your ETS testing account and transmitted to TEA. If the original score is confirmed, you will be notified and your fee will not be refunded.

Expanded Diagnostic Feedback Service
The Expanded Diagnostic Feedback service offers a comprehensive review of examinees' responses by selected scoring leaders in order to provide detailed and customized feedback identifying the specific problem areas that most contributed to their nonpassing scores. This service is available to all examinees with nonpassing scores for TASC (072) and TASC-ASL (073) exams taken during the 2012-13 testing year.

To request Expanded Diagnostic Feedback, examinees should complete the Expanded Diagnostic Feedback Request form (PDF) and submit it along with payment. See Fees for Tests and Related Services for information about fees and payment policies. Requests must be received within 3 months of the date of the test administration for which the service is being requested. Expanded Diagnostic Feedback will be mailed within one month of receipt of the request and payment.

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Cancellation of Test Scores by You

After taking a test, if you decide that you do not want your scores reported, you may submit a request to cancel them. The TASC/TASC-ASL program will cancel your scores upon receipt of a completed Score Cancellation form (PDF). This form is also available at test centers.

Your Score Cancellation form must be received within 7 days of the date on which you took the test. If you choose to cancel your scores, you will not receive a refund or credit of any kind.

If you request that your scores be canceled, they will not be reported to you, to TEA or to any EPP. Your scores will not be entered into any TASC/TASC-ASL records; therefore, after the cancellation of your scores, you will not be able to have your scores reported for any purpose.

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Cancellation of Test Scores by ETS and TEA

ETS takes reasonable security precautions in developing and administering TASC/TASC-ASL tests and processing test scores with a view to ensuring that no test taker has an unfair advantage over other test takers. Accordingly, TEA reserves the right to withhold and ultimately cancel your scores due to misconduct and/or if TEA deems there is a reason to question your scores' validity or legitimacy (including, but not limited to, a violation of the rules set forth in the current Registration Bulletin, including the Test Center Procedures and Regulations, and the procedures communicated to you, orally or in writing, at the test center).

In such cases, ETS will notify relevant parties of TEA's decision.

Further action may be taken, including denying, revoking and/or suspending a teaching credential or certificate. Other actions, as described in Test Center Procedures and Regulations may be taken as deemed appropriate by TEA and/or ETS.

Testing Irregularities
"Testing irregularities" refers to problems with the administration of a test. Testing irregularities may result from actions of test takers, test center administrators, ETS or natural or man-made causes. When testing irregularities occur, they may affect an individual or groups of test takers. Such problems include, without limitation, administrative errors (such as improper timing, improper seating, defective materials [e.g., improper test forms] and defective equipment); improper access to test content; and other disruptions of test administrations (such as natural disasters or other emergencies). When testing irregularities occur, ETS may decline to score the test, or cancel the test score at TEA's discretion. When, in TEA's sole judgment it is appropriate to do so, test takers will be given the opportunity to take the test again as soon as possible without charge.

Identification Discrepancies
When, in ETS's judgment, or the judgment of a test administrator, there is a discrepancy in a test taker's identification, the test taker may be dismissed from the test center and/or ETS may decline to score that test, or may cancel that test score if the documents completed on test day cannot be authenticated. If scores are canceled, test fees are forfeited.

Misconduct
When ETS or a test administrator find that there is misconduct in connection with a test, the test taker may be dismissed from the test center and/or ETS may decline to score the test or withhold and ultimately cancel the test score. If scores are canceled, test fees are forfeited. Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, noncompliance with the Test Center Procedures and Regulations.

Invalid Scores
ETS may also cancel scores if, in its judgment, there is substantial evidence that they are invalid for any other reason. Substantial evidence means evidence that is sufficient to persuade a reasonable person. The substantial evidence standard is lower (i.e., requires less proof) than beyond a reasonable doubt and clear and convincing and preponderance of the evidence standards. Evidence of invalid scores may include, without limitation, unusual answers and inconsistent performance on the test. Before canceling scores pursuant to this paragraph, ETS notifies the test taker in writing about its concerns, gives the test taker an opportunity to submit information that addresses ETS's concerns, considers any such information submitted and offers the test taker a choice of options. The options include voluntary score cancellation, a free retest or allowing TEA to make a decision whether to accept the scores.

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