1 CASAS Overview Symposium on Issues and Challenges in Assessment and Accountability for Adult English Language Learners May 16, 2003 Washington DC Linda Taylor (201) (800) x186 *Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System

2 CASAS in quality ESOL Programs Assesses basic skills in practical, life skills contexts Includes standardized multiple-choice measures – Reading, Listening and Math Includes standardized performance-based measures - Writing and Speaking

3 CASAS in quality ESOL Programs Used in ESL, EL Civics, VESL, employability, and workplace programs Correlates to many standards: ESL model, SCANS, GED, EFF Reports results to meet NRS requirements for reporting learner progress Professional/staff training on assessment available

4 CASAS Competencies CASAS National Scale with Skill Level Descriptors Assessment tools Reading Listening Writing Speaking Instructional Materials Guide / Quick Search Integrated Systems Approach

5 CASAS Competencies  Basic Communication  Consumer Economics  Community Resources  Health  Employability  Government and Law  Learning to Learn  Independent Living Skills

6 CASAS Competencies Includes over 300 life skill competencies Correlated to SCANS & other national standards Helps learners & instructors apply learning & teaching in a “real world context” Complete list at

7 CASAS National Scale  Skill Level Descriptors to interpret test results  Equal interval scale  Used to determine  learner skill levels  learner gains  Accurate from beginning literacy to advanced ESL

8  Research-based  Criterion referenced  Standardized multiple- choice and performance-based  Valid for non-native and native speakers of English  Links individual results and instructional materials  Reports results by students, class, program, state CASAS Assessment

9  Appraisals for placement  Pretests to help students prepare learning plans  Post-tests to monitor and report progress  Certification tests CASAS types of tests

10 Workforce development systems  Employability Competency System - ECS  Workforce Learning Systems – WLS  Workforce Skills Certification System - WSCS

11 Identifies skills learners need to succeed in today’s workforce, community, and family Integrates curriculum and assessment Provides assessment tools in the life and work context Life and Work Series

12 Citizenship Government and History for Citizenship Measures knowledge of government, history and civics Writing dictation section with scoring guidelines is included Reading for Citizenship, Level A Reading comprehension in citizenship context Used for pre- and post-testing of beginning level learners

13 Assesses speaking skills of adult ESL/Citizenship learners in the context of a simulated INS oral citizenship interview Determines readiness to pass naturalization English interview Citizenship Interview Test

14 Assesses writing skills in functional workplace, employability, and life skills contexts Includes form, picture, process, letter, note and inventory tasks Helps prepare for GED writing test Functional Writing Assessment

15  Commercially available teacher resources  Coded by  Competency  Skill level  ESL/ABE/LD/math learners  Quick Search database  NOT a curriculum Instructional Materials Guide

16 Quick Search By Competencies

17 Initial Implementation Determine if students goals match CASAS competencies Identify several pilot implementation teachers and classes Select preferred staff development option:  CD Rom self study ($325/site)  Certified Trainer goes to your agency ($3000 for 25 staff)  CASAS Summer Institute ($475) June 17 – 19, 2003  For state implementation, identify potential state certified trainers

18 Key Benefits of CASAS Integrates curriculum, assessment, and instruction across programs and levels into one comprehensive system Allows for choice of test series to match student goals with results reported on the same scale (e.g., Employability or Life Skills) Allows for choice of skills tested to match student goals (e.g., reading, listening, speaking, writing) Includes multiple measures

19 Key Benefits of CASAS Incorporates cost-effective processes and tools. Includes professional development for initial and ongoing implementation TOPSpro reports: provide documentation that meets funder requirements (see California Benchmark Level chart) Provides quick, rich and relevant student, teacher, administrators level feedback.

20 ESL Assessment Challenges Providing adequate and ongoing professional development to select and administer tests in a standardized manner Fostering willingness in local programs to go beyond basic compliance regarding assessment Establishing and executing procedures in local programs for teachers to receive test results in a timely manner Developing adequate and realistic local assessment plans to assess all relevant skills, including performance assessment

21 In conclusion Use of the entire CASAS system provides local program and state staff with data to pinpoint program strengths and weaknesses. The various components and tools of the CASAS system contribute to ongoing quality program improvement. The CASAS National Consortium members determine field-based development priorities. CASAS is a non-profit organization

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