LAS Links Paper Administration FAQs
General Testing FAQs
What are the grade spans of the LAS Links assessments?
There are 5 grade spans of LAS Links: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
What domains are tested with LAS Links?
Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing
Are all domains individually administered?
For the paper version of the test, only Speaking is individually administered. Listening, Reading and Writing may be group administered.
Do we need to administer the domains in a particular order?
You may administer the test in any order.
Does a student have to finish all 4 domains in one day?
No. You are able to administer the 4 domains on different days if needed. One recommendation is to finish the domain started in the same sitting but this is not required.
Are we allowed to give the student the test directions in Spanish?
No. The entire test should be administered in the language of the test.
Where do I find the scoring/answer key for Listening, Reading and Writing?
Answer keys are found in the LAS Links Interpretation Guide.
Where do I tabulate student scores?
You are to utilize a Student Profile Sheet along with the conversion tables found in the LAS Links Interpretation Guide to determine and document student test performance.
Are the paper test items different than the online test items?
No, the items presented in the online and paper versions of the test are the same.
How long is the test?
Speaking = 10-15 minutes
Listening = 15 - 20 minutes
Reading = 35 - 45 minutes
Writing = 35 - 45 minutes
All times are actual testing time and do not include housekeeping items such as filling out student identifying information.
Can a Test Administrator not test and/or stop the test due to insufficient language?
DRC recommendation:
For each subtest, trained test administrators must give students as much time as they need, as long as they are working on the test.
If, after a reasonable amount of time, a student appears to not be actively engaged in the subtest they are being presented, a trained test administrator may use his/her professional discretion and may stop the subtest and move the student on to the next subtest.
Are we allowed to provide accommodations?
Accommodations are only allowed when/if the accommodation is listed on the student's IEP.
Administering the Speaking Test
How many times do I prompt the student?
You may prompt the student no more than two times.
How long do I wait for the student to respond?
You should wait 3-5 seconds before prompting the student a second time. Then wait another 3-5 seconds and move on to the next question.
How do I score the holistic items in Speak in Sentences, Make Conversation and Tell a Story?
Scoring guidance may be found in the corresponding Examiner's Guide as well as in the Professional Development and Digital Library sections of www.LASLinks.com
How do I know what responses are correct for Speak in Words?
A list of acceptable responses are found in the corresponding Examiner's Manual.
Administering the Listening Test
Are we allowed to play the listening prompt more than once?
No. Listening is by design a one time prompt therefore the prompt may not be repeated.
Do we have to use the audio file for Listening or may we read the prompt(s)?
The audio file is optional but highly recommended.
Where are the audio files located?
With your testing kit, you received an audio CD.
Where do we find the answer keys for the Listening test?
Answer keys are found in the Interpretation Guide.
Administering the Reading Test
Where do we find the directions for the Reading Test?
Directions may be found in the corresponding Examiner's Manual
Where do we find the answer keys for the Reading test?
Answer keys are found in the Interpretation Guide.
Are we allowed to read any of the passages to the students?
Only if this an allowable accommodation provided on the student's IEP. Please be sure to follow the test directions found in the Examiner's Manual.
Administering the Writing Test
Where do we find the answer keys for the Writing test?
Answer keys are found in the Interpretation Guide.
Are we allowed to read any of the passages to the students?
No, this defeats the purpose of the test. Please be sure to follow the test directions found in the Examiner's Manual.
How do I score the holistic items in Write About, Write Why and Write in Detail?
Scoring guidance may be found in the corresponding Examiner's Guide as well as in the Professional Development and Digital Library sections of www.LASLinks.com