An Examination of CLAST Retake Performance: Is More Time an Advantage to Test Takers?

Abstract

The appropriateness of using time limits when measuring students’ competence is questionable. This study assessed whether students who had failed the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) could improve their performance if allowed additional time on retaking the test. Because standardized time allotments for completing the CLAST subtests could not be altered for the study, only students retaking the reading and writing subtests were included. These students are allowed 70 minutes to complete one or both subtests. It was concluded that students allowed 70 minutes to retake the CLAST reading or writing subtest outperformed students who had only 35 minutes after adjustments were made for previous performance.