Test Scoring
The selected-response items contain a closed scoring system, where test-taker’s responses are scored as correct or incorrect. Selection response account for 40% of the grade. In contrast, all constructed-response items are scored using a rubric system. All constructed responses items are scored based on four criteria on a four-point rubric:
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS (for Focused-Response Items)
The following characteristics guide the scoring of responses to each focused-response assignment:
Content
The extent to which the response meets the requirements of the assignment
Analysis, Evaluation, & Integration
The extent to which the response demonstrates understanding of and engagement with the provided sources
Command of Evidence
The extent to which the response presents evidence from the provided sources to support analysis and synthesis
Coherence & Clarity
The extent to which the response is focused and clear
SCORE SCALE (for Focused-Response Items)
Scores will be assigned to each response to the focused-response items according to the following score scale:
4 | The response demonstrates a strong command of relevant skills.
3 | The response demonstrates a satisfactory command of relevant skills.
2 | The response demonstrates limited relevant skills.
1 | The response demonstrates a lack of relevant skills.
U | The response is unscorable because it is unrelated to the assigned topic or off-task, unreadable, written in a language other than English or contains an insufficient amount of original work to score.
B | No response.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS (for Extended-Response Item)
The following characteristics guide the scoring of responses to the extended-response assignment:
Content & Analysis
The extent to which the response conveys complex ideas and information clearly in order to support claims in an analysis of topics/sources
Command of Evidence
The extent to which the response presents evidence from the provided sources to support analysis and synthesis
Coherence, Organization, & Style
The extent to which the response logically organizes complex ideas, concepts, and information using formal style and precise language
Control of Conventions
The extent to which the response demonstrates command of the conventions of standard written English grammar
SCORE SCALE (for Extended-Response Item)
Scores will be assigned to the response to the extended-response item according to the following score scale:
4 | The response demonstrates a strong command of argumentative writing skills.
3 | The response demonstrates a satisfactory command of argumentative writing skills.
2 | The response demonstrates limited argumentative writing skills.
1 | The response demonstrates a lack of argumentative writing skills.
U | The response is unscorable because it is unrelated to the assigned topic or off-task, unreadable, written in a language other than English or contains an insufficient amount of original work to score.
B | No response.
*Additional information on the scoring system and the rubrics used can be viewed on this page on NYSTCE website.
*All resources developed with permission from the New York State Education Department.
