Writing Assessment for the Classroom Overview Presented at the 2004 CASAS National Summer Institute

Agenda 1. CASAS FWA Background and Strengths 2. Training Options 3. Tasks - Inventory - Note - Process - Letter - Form - Picture

CASAS FWA Background  Correlated to CA Model Standards for ABE/ESL  Compatible with Federal Level Descriptors and CASAS Level Descriptors  Field Tested and used for both ABE and ESL  Performance-based measure  Analytic rubric - category scores and total scores

CASAS FWA Strengths  Integrates assessment and instruction  Targets instruction  Guides teaching and lesson planning  Focuses learners on improving their writing ability  Measures progress at all levels of instruction  Used with native and non-native speakers

Training and Certification Guidelines  Pre-Stage 1- Informal Classroom User  Stage 1 - Certified Local Examiner  Stage 2 - Certified Local Trainer  Stage 3 - Certified State/National Trainer

Pre-Stage 1 Informal Classroom User  If you: Follow test administration directions and scoring guidelines in the manual  You can: Order test materials Use the test only in individual classrooms Report non-standardized results

Stage 1 Certified Local Examiner  If you: Attend 9-hour Local Examiner training (Part A is 6 hours. Part B is hours.) Complete take-home scoring assignment between parts A and B Complete certification scoring packet at Part B or within one week of Part B Complete yearly re-certification scoring packet

Stage 1 Certified Local Examiner  You can: Use the test in local program only Report standardized results

Stage 2 Certified Local Trainer  If you: Complete scoring reliability requirements: - conduct periodic scoring sessions to check reliability - maintain own certification Document experience using and scoring Observe Stage 1 training Submit completed Observation Form

Stage 2 Certified Local Trainer  You can: Report standardized results Conduct training in local program

Stage 3 Certified State/National Trainer  If you: Co-train with a CASAS certified state/national trainer Attend advanced trainer workshops  You can: Train at state/national level Train other trainers

Inventory and Note Tasks  Inventory Task Complete a very simple inventory form Two forms Pass/Fail  Note Task Write a simple note based on a short verbal prompt Two forms Pass/Fail  Targeted for Level A

Process Task  The purpose of this task is to elicit a detailed written description of a task that has multiple steps.  One form/Four prompts -Laundromat -ATM -Gas -Flat tire  Targeted for levels B-D  Holistically scored by CASAS Scoring Service  Six levels (0-5)

Process Task Key Steps  Key steps guidelines are provided to assist in making scoring decisions and should not be the only factor used to determine a score.

Process Task Key Steps LAUNDROMAT 1. Separate/sort clothes 2. Put clothes into machine 3. Put soap+ into machine 4. Select water temperature, setting 5. Put money in machine 6. Take clothes out of machine and place into dryer 7. Put money in dryer 8. Select setting (temperature, time) 9. Take clothes out (fold) Note: Order of steps 2-5 interchangeable; order of steps 7-8 interchangeable

Letter Task  The purpose of the task is to write a formal letter that states and explains a problem, and requests or suggests a solution.  This task is appropriate for learners who have been taught formal letter writing (i.e., use of letter conventions) as well as the role and responsibilities of a mayor.  Targeted for levels B-D  Analytic rubric, six levels (0-5)

 Two-sided personal information form  Two forms  Targeted for levels A-D  Analytic rubric  Three scoring categories Content Spelling/Capitalization/Punctuation Handwriting and Appearance  Six levels (0-5)  Scale scores Form Task

 Workplace Prompts - Warehouse - Hotel - Restaurant Targeted for levels High A-D Analytic rubric, six levels (0-5) Scale scores Picture Task

 Four Prompts - Grocery Store - Car Accident - Department Store - Street Scene Targeted for levels High A-D Analytic rubric, six levels (0-5) Scale scores Picture Task continued

 Five scoring categories Content Organization Word Choice Grammar and Sentence Structure Spelling/Capitalization/Punctuation  Six levels (0-5) Picture Task Analytic Rubric

Uses of the Tasks  norming across levels  placement  ongoing monitoring of progress  exit program or level advancement  certification of completion  hiring

Writing Studies  CASAS/GED Writing Skills Study  The CASAS Picture Task is a strong predictor of scores on the essay section of the (former) GED Writing Test.  CASAS/REEP Writing Comparison Study  Presents strong evidence for the validity of both assessments for use with ESL students.

Contact Information Content/Policy Questions:Other Questions:  Linda Taylor, x 186Michelle Chu, x 103  Cheryl Parry, x 126  Nancy Smithwick, x 124  Amy Studer, x 130