How Tests Are Scored

All GACE^® test results are reported as scaled scores that range from 100 to 300.

The total raw test score on a test is a combination of:

• the total number of scored questions answered correctly on the selected-response section of the test
• ratings received on any constructed-response questions as assigned by two independent raters

The total raw test score is then converted to the scaled score for reporting.

The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI^®) is assigned ratings of 0 to 5. These ratings are then converted to the GACE score scale of 100–300.

Note: Tests may include some questions that do not count toward the score. These are new questions that are being tried out in real test administrations in order to collect information about how they will perform under actual testing conditions.

See information about how the Educator Ethics, Paraprofessional, and Teacher Leadership assessments are scored.

Passing Scores

Minimum passing standards for the tests were established by GaPSC with input from committees of Georgia educators. Learn more about what constitutes a passing score on each of the assessments.

Selected-response Scoring

Selected-response sections are scored once at the test center, transmitted electronically, and then verified at ETS before being reported. The following is how the selected-response sections are scored:

• Each correct answer is worth one raw point.
• The total raw score is the number of scored questions answered correctly on the full test.
• The scaled score is computed from the total number of raw points in a way that adjusts for the difficulty of the questions.

Constructed-response Scoring

Each constructed response is scored by trained, supervised raters who follow strict scoring procedures, which includes:

• All written, spoken, or signed responses are scored according to standardized procedures. Written, spoken, or signed responses to each question are scored by two or more qualified raters specifically trained to score the responses to that question. ETS follows rigorous procedures to ensure validity and reliability of constructed-response scoring in accordance with the American Educational Research Association Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing guidelines.
• Raters with relevant professional backgrounds are oriented to these procedures and are carefully monitored during scoring sessions to assure that they apply these standardized scoring methods in a fair and accurate manner.
• Raters assign ratings based on a scale developed for that test by educators who are specialists in the subject area being tested.
• The final score for any constructed response is never determined by a single rater.

Pretest Questions

Some tests may include pretest questions — typically between 15 and 20 — that are being evaluated for possible use in future versions of the test.

• Pretest questions are not identified in order to assess how test takers respond to them under actual testing conditions.
• Pretest questions do not count toward the score.

Information about Rescores

Each constructed response is scored by trained, supervised raters who follow standardized scoring procedures. Written, spoken, or signed responses to each question are scored by two or more qualified raters specifically trained to score the responses to that question. ETS follows rigorous procedures to ensure validity and reliability of constructed-response scoring in accordance with the American Educational Research Association Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing guidelines. Consequently, there is no rescoring service for written, spoken, or signed responses.

See also:

• Constructed-Response and Other Performance Assessments