A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Audience Approved by JDRP for agencies that provide adult basic education, English as a second language, high school completion, and preemployment programs for adults and secondary-level students.

Description Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) provides learner-centered, competency outcome-based assessment, curriculum management, and evaluation systems to education and training programs in the public and private sector. The system includes more than 80 standardized assessment instruments. The system is used to place learners in programs, diagnose learners' needs, monitor progress, and certify mastery of functional basic skills. CASAS assessment instruments are used to measure functional reading, writing, listening, speaking skills, and higher order thinking skills. All assessment has been validated through field testing. Results are reported as scaled scores ranging from 150 (special learning needs) to 250 (secondary). CASAS scaled scores report learners' literacy levels in employment and adult life skills contexts. This comprehensive system is designed not only to meet the National Goal for Education of improving adult literacy, but to address specific needs of adult learners.

Evidence of Effectiveness Students enrolled in adult and alternative education programs that have implemented key elements of CASAS demonstrate significant learning gains and increased hours of instruction, and achieve increased goal attainment.

Requirements Consultation and training are required for implementation of the system.

Costs The costs for the initial training (approximately 25 people) to an adopter include travel, per diem, a preparation fee of $350, a training fee of $350 per day, and a materials fee per participant. A minimum of two days of training are required for implementation. Implementation costs vary by site.

Services Awareness materials are available at no cost. In addition to initial implementation training and materials, follow-up consultation and additional training is available.

Contact

Patricia L. Rickard, Director, 8910 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92123. (800) 255-1036. E-Mail: prickard@inet.ed.gov

Developmental Funding: California, Section 310 of Federal Adult Basic Education Act.
JDRP No. 84-6 (3/20/84)
Recertified (3/11/93)

-###-

[National Family Literacy Project (Dissemination Process)]