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CASAS Overview
Symposium on Issues and Challenges in Assessment and Accountability for Adult English Language LearnersMay 16, 2003Washington DC
Linda Taylor(201) 894-0202(800) 255-1036 x186
[email protected] *Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System
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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
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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
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CASAS CompetenciesCASAS National Scale with
Skill Level DescriptorsAssessment tools
ReadingListeningWritingSpeaking
Instructional Materials Guide / Quick Search
Integrated Systems Approach
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CASAS Competencies
Basic Communication Consumer Economics Community Resources Health Employability Government and Law Learning to Learn Independent Living
Skills
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CASAS Competencies
Includes over 300 life skill competenciesCorrelated to SCANS & other national standardsHelps learners & instructors apply learning & teaching in a “real world context”Complete list at www.casas.org
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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
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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
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Appraisals for placement
Pretests to help students prepare learning plans
Post-tests to monitor and report progress
Certification tests
CASAS types of tests
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Workforce development systems
Employability Competency System - ECS
Workforce Learning Systems – WLS
Workforce Skills Certification System - WSCS
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• 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
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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
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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
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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 Functional Writing AssessmentAssessment
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Commercially available teacher resources
Coded by Competency Skill level ESL/ABE/LD/math
learners Quick Search database NOT a curriculum
Instructional Materials Guide
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Quick Search By Competencies
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Initial ImplementationDetermine if students goals match CASAS competenciesIdentify several pilot implementation teachers and classesSelect 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
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Key Benefits of CASASIntegrates curriculum, assessment, and instruction across programs and levels into one comprehensive systemAllows 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
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Key Benefits of CASASIncorporates 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.
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ESL Assessment Challenges
Providing adequate and ongoing professional development to select and administer tests in a standardized mannerFostering willingness in local programs to go beyond basic compliance regarding assessmentEstablishing and executing procedures in local programs for teachers to receive test results in a timely mannerDeveloping adequate and realistic local assessment plans to assess all relevant skills, including performance assessment
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In conclusionUse 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 CASAS is a non-profit organizationorganization
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