Test Design and 
Test Framework

Field 225: Superintendent

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The test design below describes general test information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Format Computer-based test (CBT)
Number of Questions 80 multiple-choice questions, 2 constructed-response assignments
Time* 3 hours, 30 minutes
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial

Test Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.



test subarea number of test objectives number of scorable items number of nonscorable items subarea weight as percent of total test score
subarea 1—visionary leadership, managing change, and contexts of education 3 17 4 16 percent
subarea 2—instructional leadership 3 18 5 17 percent
subarea 3—culture of learning, communication, and collaboration 2 12 3 11 percent
subarea 4—resource management and legal/ethical guidelines 3 17 4 16 percent
totals 11 64 16 60 percent
constructed response(s) subarea weight as percent of total test score
subareas 1 and 2—cri 1 extended response 24 percent
subareas 3 and 4—cri 2 focused response 16 percent

Subarea 1—Visionary Leadership, Managing Change, and Contexts of Education

Objective 0001—Understand the collaborative development and implementation of a shared vision, mission, and core values to promote continuous and sustainable improvement in students' achievement and growth.

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Objective 0002—Understand how to lead change and engage in collaborative, data-driven planning and decision making to improve student learning outcomes.

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Objective 0003—Understand the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural contexts of education and how to respond to these contexts, including working effectively with the district governing body.

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Subarea 2—Instructional Leadership

Objective 0004—Understand how to provide instructional leadership focused on effective teaching and learning and the use of research-supported instructional practices that promote academic success for every student.

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Objective 0005—Understand the use of assessment and accountability systems to monitor students' progress and promote educational excellence.

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Objective 0006—Understand how to develop the professional capacity and practice of teachers and other school personnel to promote each student's academic success and well-being.

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Subarea 3—Culture of Learning, Communication, and Collaboration

Objective 0007—Understand how to establish and sustain school cultures and learning environments conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.

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Objective 0008—Understand how to communicate and collaborate with students, faculty and other staff, families, community members, and school board members; respond to diverse community interests and needs; and mobilize community resources to strengthen school programs and support school and district goals.

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Subarea 4—Resource Management and Legal/Ethical Guidelines

Objective 0009—Understand organizational and operational management that supports school and district improvement and desired educational outcomes.

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Objective 0010—Understand financial and human resource management that supports school and district improvement and desired educational outcomes.

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Objective 0011—Understand legal and ethical guidelines related to schools and education.

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