Answers to Sample Questions and Notes

Performance Test

Scoring the Performance Sample Test Questions

The computer skills performance test questions are hand-scored by at least two scorers to make sure that the scores are accurate. The scorers use a standard raw score scale that is called a rubric. The rubrics differ for each test question and are determined by the difficulty of the question.

Each performance test question is given a raw score point using the scoring rubrics. The raw score points for each section are then added together and converted to a scale score for the section. The scale scores for each section are then combined to create an overall weighted raw score for the test. This score is then converted into the final scale score. Individual scores are reported as scale scores on scales that range from 18-82. The passing score for the computer skills performance test is a scale score of 49 or higher.

The scoring rubrics for the performance sample test questions in this handbook provide teachers and students the opportunity to see how an individual test question is awarded a specific raw point using a scoring rubric. A specific scale and criteria is used to determine the raw score point for each test question. Some test questions may only have a scale of 0 to 1, whereas others may be able to receive a score as high as 2, 3, or 4. Each score point for the test question has a description of the criteria that must be met in order to receive its appropriate score point. Test questions that are scored on a 0 to 1 score scale, usually are identified as either correct or incorrect. Other test questions, which may have the possibility of receiving a score higher than 1, have more detailed descriptions for each score point criteria (for example, 2 out of 3 things must be correct, etc.). In many ways, this is like giving partial credit to a student for work that has been completed but is not totally correct.

Scoring rubrics are created to most accurately measure a student’s ability to successfully complete the requirements of the individual task without compromising the validity of the test question.

Information is provided below about the rubrics used to score the performance sample questions located in this handbook.

Part I: Keyboarding Techniques. This task is scored for typing accuracy, spacing, and length.

Typing Accuracy (includes errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and omitted/added words).

Score Point 1: contains five or more errors

Score Point 2: contains two, three, or four errors

Score Point 3: contains zero or one error(s)

Spacing(errors include failure to indent, center title, space between paragraphs, etc.)

Score Point 1: contains three or more errors

Score Point 2: contains one or two errors

Score Point 3: contains no errors

Length(the amount of document typed)

Score Point 1: Some portion of the document is typed.

Score Point 2: The document is typed through the first paragraph.

Score Point 3: The document is typed to the end.

Part II: Word Processing/Editing. This task is scored for the number of correct edits and if other errors are made while editing.

Required Edits(Center, Insert, Capitalize)

Score Point 0: The correction (edit) is made incorrectly or not made at all.

Score Point 1: The correction (edit) is made correctly.

Other (additional errors not relating to editing changes above)

Score Point 0: One or more additional errors appear in the text.

Score Point 1: No additional errors appear in the text.

Part III: Database Use.

1. The correct answer is “Reader’s Digest.” This question measures your ability to sort a database.

Score Point 0: Answer is incorrect or missing.

Score Point 1: Answer is correct.

2. The correct answer is "American Scientist." Your answer is also scored for how well you explain how you determined your answer to the question ("I searched the field # PUB PERYEAR=6 and searched the field AD COST PER YEAR=$4,045). This question measures your ability to search a database using more than one criterion to solve a problem.

Score Point 0: Answer is incorrect or missing and the explanation is either incorrect or not attempted.

Score Point 1: Answer given is correct, but the explanation is either incorrect or not attempted; or the explanation is correct, but the answer is either incorrect or not attempted.

Score Point 2: Both the answer and the explanation are correct.

Part IV: Spreadsheet Use.

1. The correct answer is $1.68. This question measures your ability to use a spreadsheet to test simple “What if” statements.

Score Point 0: Answer is incorrect or missing.

Score Point 1: Answer is correct.

2. The correct answer is 5. This question also measures your ability to us e a spreadsheet to test simple “What if” statements.

Score Point 0: Answer is incorrect or missing.

Score Point 1: Answer is correct

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