How Scores Are Computed on the AEPA Exam

The AEPA or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments are a group of tests that evaluate potential teachers’ knowledge of specified material in order to maintain a group of teachers that will strive to push students to the best of their abilities. The AEPA exam was put in place in response to adopted regulations regarding the assessment of teachers applying for licensure in Arizona. The test ensures the public that Arizona teachers are qualified and possess both professional and subject knowledge in their field of study. Knowing how you will be scored on the test can relieve some of the stress of taking the exam. It is important to remember that the total score is computed on the overall performance on all test sections.

The scores for the tests are converted to a common scale that ranges from 100 to 300, with a score of 240 passing. The scores are only provided if the test taker’s score falls under 240, so that the test taker can prepare to retake the test; if the test taker passes the exam, no score is provided. However, an index of performance in each subarea is provided for all test takers.

For those tests that are made up of two separate formats, such as selected-response questions and performance assignments, the scores are combined. Knowing how the scores are computed will give the test taker an idea of how much emphasis is placed on each test section.
•    Professional knowledge and subject knowledge tests the computed score is calculated by multiplying 0.9 to the selected-response scaled score and added to the performance assignment scaled score after it has been multiplied by 0.1.
•    The Spanish, French and German tests are computed by multiplying the selected-response scaled scored by 0.8 and adding it to the performance assignment scaled score after it has been multiplied by 0.2.
•    The Principal and Superintendent tests are computed by multiplying the selected-response scaled score by 0.6 and adding it to the performance assignment scaled score after it has been multiplied by 0.4.
•    The Constitutions of the United States and Arizona test the total test score is computed and based solely on the selected-response scaled score.
•     The Basic Skills; Writing Subtest is computed by multiplying the selected-response section scaled score by 0.8 and adding it to the performance assignment scaled score after it has been multiplied by 0.2.

For written and oral responses, the test taker’s responses will be scored by two or more qualified educators dependent upon standardized procedures during the scoring sessions that are held after each test. The performance assignments are scored utilizing scales that detail the different levels of performance. Scores are based on the test taker’s ability to prepare an organized and accurate answer to the assignment and any instructions regarding the subjected audience. Written responses will be scored based on a comprehensive impression of the response that is based on the test taker’s ability to present a logical answer that contains reasonable arguments, applies content knowledge and is written in a well-organized and effective essay. Oral responses are scored, again, based on the comprehensive impression of the response based on the test taker’s ability to use an assortment of sentence structures and handle transitions without awkwardness.