1. A method of allocating resources in conjunction with scoring a test-taker's response to an open-ended item of an assessment including a plurality of items that contribute to a specific performance level classification, wherein the method is implemented using a computer system programmed to perform steps comprising: a. collecting test-taker information and adding the collected information to a database of the computer system; b. estimating a test-taker performance classification for a portion of the assessment comprising the plurality of items based on the collected test-taker information, wherein estimating the performance classification comprises classifying the test-taker into one of two or more performance levels; c. estimating the certainty of the estimated test-taker performance classification; and d. allocating a scoring resource to score the test-taker's response to the open-ended item as a function of the estimated certainty that the test-taker falls within one performance level and not a different performance level.