Student Assessments
CASAS
CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System) is the most widely used system for assessing adult basic reading, math, listening, writing, and speaking skills within a functional context. CASAS is the only adult assessment system of its kind to be approved and validated by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor to assess both native and non-native speakers of English. Backed by 25 years of research and development in adult assessment, instruction, and evaluation, CASAS provides programs with the resources and expertise to establish a comprehensive performance accountability system, address core indicators of performance, integrate literacy and occupational skill instruction, and evaluate the effectiveness of adult education and literacy programs. CASAS assessment, training, and evaluation are based on the critical competencies and skill areas required for success in the workplace, community, and family. With the implementation of the CASAS system, programs can establish measurable goals, document learner outcomes, and report program impact to students, staff, local boards, and policy makers. Project Read administers the listening portion of the CASAS to all applicants who have learned English as a second language. Applicants must score at least a 225 on this portion of the assessment in order to qualify for Project Read’s english literacy program. For more information about CASAS please visit www.casas.org
TABE
THE TEST OF ADULT BASIC EDUCATION (TABE)
The TABE is a frequently used assessment instrument for adult students. The test contains content that is considered relevant for students’ educational growth. The items on the test measure whether or not the student has mastered the particular content.
Project Read is currently using TABE 9 &10 (the most current edition) which contains the following subtests:
Reading
This test measures basic reading skills in life-skill and academic contexts. It assesses beginning reading skills in a manner appropriate for adults. Items measure prose and document literacy, such as reading diagrams, maps, charts, tables, forms, and consumer labels.
Mathematics
The Mathematics Computation and Applied Mathematics tests measure a multitude of practical mathematical skills and concepts commonly found in professional and personal life experiences. Specific emphasis is placed on contexts that reflect home life, shopping, banking, travel, transportation, entertainment, and various work environments.
Language
This test measures skills needed to communicate effectively on the job and in daily life. It supports and reinforces adult writing instruction at all levels. It integrates skill assessment in usage, sentence formation, and paragraph development. Most items focus directly on problem areas typically encountered when adults write letters, job-related communications, or GED essays.
Language Mechanics
This test focuses on the mechanics of written language. The content includes identifying the appropriate use of capitalization and punctuation in sentences, phrases and clauses. This includes correct usage with quotations, dialogue, proper nouns, titles, contractions, possessive nouns and pronouns. The test reinforces editing, proofreading, and other key writing processes.
Vocabulary
This test measures basic vocabulary skills. The content focuses on understanding word meanings and relationships. Among the skills measured is the use of context to identify the meaning of words, including multi-meaning words. The test supports the goal of in-depth mastery of word meanings and the acquisition of transferable skills or strategies for the ongoing process of word mastery.
Spelling
Since spelling is often an area of particular difficulty involving a wide range of interrelated language traits–listening, speaking, reading, and writing–it receives an isolated focus in TABE. Item format de-emphasizes reading and vocabulary skills and focuses directly on spelling skills.
