If you plan to teach ELA in Ohio, you’ve probably heard of the OAE English Language Arts (020) exam. As you may know, you cannot become a certified English Language Arts teacher unless you pass this test. With so much at stake for your career, it’s crucial to understand the OAE ELA exam’s scoring system. If you know what it takes to pass, you’ll be able to prepare more effectively.
To give you a leg up, this article will cover all you need to know about OAE English Language Arts exam scoring.
Overview of the OAE English Language Arts (020) Scoring Guide:
The multiple-choice questions on the OAE ELA (020) exam will assess your competence in the following content domains:
- Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, and Reading Various Text Forms
- Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
- English Language Conventions, Composition, Writing Process, and Research
- Modes of Writing
- Oral and Visual Communication
The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 3 hours. For more details on the structure of this test, take a look at our OAE English Language Arts (020) exam overview.
How the Exam is Scored
The OAE English Language Arts exam is scored by taking the sum of your correct answers and converting them into a scaled score that takes test difficulty into account.
There is no penalty for incorrect answers on this exam.
Passing Score
To pass the OAE English Language Arts and Reading (020) exam, you must receive a scaled score of at least 220.
When Will You Get Your Score Report
Visit the OAE website to find out what day your English Language Arts (020) scores will be posted. (Scroll down to “Score Reporting.”) Scores will be viewable on your account starting at 10 p.m. (ET) on the listed date. You will also receive them via email if you selected this option at registration.
Since results are posted in batches, you may wait anywhere from around 12 days to around six weeks to get your scores. The wait time depends on whether you took your test early or late in the exam cycle.
Understanding Your Score Report
Your OAE English Language Arts (020) score report will show your Assessment Score and your Performance Indices. The first section provides your overall score on a scale of 100 to 300, with 220 being the minimum score to pass. The second section reveals how you performed in each content domain, as represented by a +, ++, +++, or ++++ (respectively: well below passing, just below passing, at or above a passing score, well above the minimum passing score).
If you did not pass the exam, you should find this score report helpful for future studying. By reviewing your performance within each content domain, you can identify the areas where you need the most work.
Retaking the Exam
If you don’t pass the OAE English Language Arts exam on your first try, you are allowed to retake it as many times as you wish. However, you must wait 30 days between each attempt.
Conclusion:
OAE English Language Arts (020) exam scores play a key role in determining your eligibility to teach ELA in Ohio. Understanding how this test is scored and what is required to pass should help you prepare more effectively, maximizing your chances of success.
If you don’t pass the OAE English Language Arts exam on your first try, remember to take advantage of the detailed performance breakdown on your score report. This is an invaluable tool for identifying areas where you need improvement.
Even if your first try was unsuccessful, you should feel confident that you can pass the OAE ELA exam. With diligent study and a clear understanding of the test, you’ll be well prepared for your next attempt.
More OAE English Language Arts (020) Resources
