2008-2009 TABE Assessment Information and Schedule
What is the TABE?
Basic The Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) are norm-referenced tests designed to measure achievement of basic skills commonly found in adult basic education curricula and taught in instructional programs. State Board Rule 6A-10.040 describes the basic skills requirements for Postsecondary Vocational Certificate Education. BCC administers the Test of Adult Basic Education to all eligible students. The test is administered at all four campuses.
- Student must complete the TABE within the first six weeks after registering for vocational courses or possibly be dropped from courses without a refund.
- BCC administers the TABE A 9/10 Complete Battery to all students.
- Per FDOE memo OWE 2003-05: "Transferability of TABE Scores between Institutions" BCC will accept an official copy of test scores from other public [educational] institutions. Official copy should be sent in either electronic version (including fax) or a sealed envelope from the institution that administered the test to BCC.
- For assessment purposes, BCC will accept the A7/8, either Complete Battery or Survey forms for all vocational programs.
- All tests must have been administered according to CTB/McGraw- Hill guidelines.
- If students' scores in any of these tests do not meet exit requirements, they must remediate with the Vocational Instructional Program personnel before retesting.
- Some Health Science AS programs use the TABE for selection points: Dental Hygiene, Radiography, and Veterinary Tech. For these programs, the A 9/10 Complete Battery is the only acceptable form. Health Sciences is currently reviewing their required policy regarding auxiliary testing for admission purposes for each program. You are advised to consult directly with them regarding specific Admission requirements of limited access programs.
What is covered on the TABE test?
Basic academic skills in reading, writing, and math are assessed. The test consists of 4 timed sections: Reading (50 minutes); Math computation (24 minutes without the use of a calculator):
Applied Math (50 minutes with a calculator permitted); and Language (55 minutes). BCC does not require the Spelling section of the test. TABE assessment includes use of thinking skills across content areas. Going beyond recall of facts, many items require the examinee to analyze situations, make interpretations, look for connections, synthesize information, predict outcomes, and generate ideas. Scores are expressed as High School Grade Equivalency and as a scaled score (expressed as the value of actual number correct out of total possible).
How can I review for the TABE?
A variety of review material is available. Students may contact an campus Learning Lab for review materials.
Books addressing GED Preparation located at the public library may be of assistance.
The test publisher offers TABE: The First Step to Lifelong Success. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003, as test preparation book.
What is VPI?
Vocational Preparatory Instruction (VPI) is a remediation program and support service for students seeking vocational certificates. Located in the campus Learning Labs, the program was formerly the System for Applied Individualized Learning (SAIL) Program. Students whose initial TABE scores do not meet designated program cutoffs are referred to VPI personnel to determine a personalized remediation program.
Who is required to take the TABE?
Per State Board Rule 6A-10.040, all students who are enrolled in a postsecondary vocational certificate program shall complete a basic skills examination within the first six (6) weeks after admission into the program.
Exceptions:
- Students entering a criminal justice academy program are exempt from taking the TABE test, per State Board Rule 1650, effective summer term 2003. These students are required to take the Criminal Justice Basic Assessment Test (CJ-BAT.) Contact Melbourne Police Testing 433-5638.
- Students who provide proper documentation of their disabilities may take their placement tests or exit tests (CPT or TABE) in the OSD if special testing conditions are an approved accommodation. TABE waivers may be granted to eligible students who have taken the TABE twice, have the appropriate disability, and receive the recommendation of their program department head. Students should complete the TABE Waiver form that can be secured from any campus OSD.
- Students who are enrolled in a program that is less than 450 clock hours.
- Students enrolled in programs of 450 clock hours or more that require a state, national or industry licensure exam for employment must be tested initially. Upon program completion, student may document passage of the licensure exam, and complete the TABE waiver form for exemption. Documentation of successful passage of the required state, national or industry exam must be provided within six months of completing the last course for the student to graduate from the BCC program. Student must submit "Intent to Graduate Application" to Collegewide Admissions and Records and pay the graduation fee to receive a diploma.
Who is exempt from the TABE?
- Students who have received an Associate in Applied Science degree or higher.
- Students who have completed or are exempt from the CLAST.
- Students who are exempt from the college entry-level examination.
- Students who have passed all subtests of an accepted College Placement Test within two years of entry into the program with continuous enrollment thereafter. Continuous enrollment is the successful completion of at least one class per academic year.
Procedure For Processing TABE Exemption
- The student will complete the "Request for Exemption from Testing for a Vocational Program (TABE)" form, which is available in the Admissions and Records Office on each campus, and submit the properly executed form to the Admissions and Records Office for scanning into the student record.
- Copy of currently awarded license (for graduation purposes only) must be attached.