The California Test of Basic Skills (CTBS)
What is the purpose of
The California Test of Basic Skills?
The California Test of Basic Skills – CTBS is a
25 question survey test that assess the grade
equivalency level of all incoming 9th grade
students. The grade equivalencies assessed will
range from 0.0 to 12.9 years.
 The CTBS is also used to assess achievement
gains for the Transition to Advanced
Mathematics Course.
The test is administered as a pre-test as early as
possible in the academic year, and at the end of
Semester 1.
Frequently Asked Questions about the
CTBS
What materials should each teacher have to
administer the CTBS?
Test Directions for Teachers – 1 booklet.
Student booklets - Level 19, Form A – 1
class set.
Answer Sheets - 1 per each student to be
tested.
Scratch Paper – Approx. 2 per student
Punch out rulers – 1 class set
One (1) pack of pencils.
Two (2) “Do Not Disturb Signs”.
How long will it take for the students to complete
the CTBS?
30 minutes will be need to distribute testing
materials, fill-out the information section,
and to complete the two (2) sample
questions.
60 minutes will then be needed for students
to complete the 25 question test.
Allocate a total of 80 – 90 minutes to
administer the CTBS from start to finish.
How do I prepare my students for the CTBS?
You don’t! Explain to students the day before
the test that it is a very important test. This test
will determine their grade equivalency levels
and it should be taken seriously!
So get plenty of rest the night before, and eat a
good breakfast the morning of!!
What should the seating arrangement be?
Desk should be arranged in a “Testing Mode”
(rows and columns). Each student should have
a separate space and every effort should be
made to avoid talking or disruptions during the
testing period.
How and when do I administer make-up CTBS for
absent students?
Make-up test dates should be within the
week of the initial CTBS testing date.
Students can be either tested in an
isolated area of the classroom or in
another teachers classroom after
instructions have been given.
How do I grade the CTBS?
Collect together all test by classroom
section.
Use the CTBS grading transparency
template to grade scantron answers.
Write the raw score (number correct) in
red ink on the front of each scantron
answer sheet.

How do I grade the CTBS?
Use the CTBS grade equivalency spreadsheet to
enter the basic student information and raw
scores. The spreadsheet programs will
automatically compute the pre-CTBS grade
equivalency level (Fall CTBS grade
equivalency norms).
Get an electronic version of your student class
rosters to enter into the spreadsheet for the
basic student information sectins.
CTBS Grading Activity
Now lets take some sample CTBS test and
grade them together
TAM Diagnostic Testing
Why do we also need a TAM diagnostic test?
The TAM diagnostic test will give you the teacher a
true picture of what each student is either proficient
or deficient in regards to their TAM (pre-algebra)
skills.
The TAM diagnostic test will also help us in
planning true 18 week planners for the 1st semester;
instead of following the suggested sequential order
of the TAM units.
Remember that the TAM units are all modular.
TAM Diagnostic Testing
When will it be administered?
The test is administered as a pre-test as
early as possible in the academic year,
and at the end of Semester 1.
TAM Diagnostic Testing
Activity
Now we will create our own TAM Diagnostic
Test of 25 questions.
In groups of two, you will be assigned TAM
units and asked to create five (TAM) questions
relating to each unit assigned.
Question format should resemble those of the
Hawaii state high school assessment.
I.E. Multiple Choice, Constructed Response, OpenEnded.