Who is eligible to administer CASAS tests?
Staff who have gone through a CASAS training with a certified CASAS trainer are eligible to purchase materials for their program, to administer tests, and to train other staff at their site to administer tests.
What are the steps for assessment?
Appraisal, pre-test, instruction, post-test
What appraisals are available?
The most widely used forms in Minnesota include the ESL Appraisal Form 20 (Reading and Listening), the Life Skills Appraisal Form 30 (Reading and Math), and the ECS Form 130 (Reading and Math).
What pre- and post-tests are available?
Listening:
The Listening Tests that are currently available are Life Skills Forms 51 and 52 (Level A), Forms 53 and 54 (Level B), and Forms 55 and 56 (Level C). The new Life and Work series should be available in Spring 2008.
Reading:
There are 5 levels of Reading Tests in use in Minnesota, including Life Skills Forms 27 and 28 (Literacy), and Life and Work Forms 81 and 82 (Level A), Forms 81X and 82X (Bridge between Level A and Level B), Forms 83 and 84 (Level B), Forms 85 and 86 (Level C - Employability only)), Forms 185 and 186 (Level C), and Forms 187 and 188 (Level D).
Math:
There are 4 levels of Math Tests available, including Life Skills Forms 31 and 32 (Level A), Forms 33 and 34 (Level B), Forms 35 and 36 (Level C), and Forms 37 and 38 (Level D).
What are the AX (81RX and 82RX) Forms?
AX level tests are tests that help learners "bridge" from Level A to Level B. The difficulty level of some of the items on these tests is at the lower skill level, and the difficulty level of other items is at the higher skill level. These tests are a good option when you are not sure if a learner would be successful post-testing with the B level test.
How will I know which level pre- or post-test form I should use?
Use the CASAS Suggested Next Test chart for the Appraisal that you used to determine the appropriate pre-test. To determine the appropriate post-test form, again use the Suggested Next Test chart for the series that you are using.
What should I do when there are two options for pre- and post-tests on the Suggested Next Test charts?
For pre-tests, use the learner's demographic information (previous education in their home country, previous education in English) to help you determine the test form to use. When in doubt, choose the easier test form. For post-tests, use the instructor's knowledge regarding the student performance in class to help determine which test level should be given.
What if I still need help?
Talk to experienced assessment staff at your site or within your consortium, or email your question to certified state CASAS trainer Marty Olsen at martha.olsen@gmail.com
Can I use a different CASAS test series for pre- and post-testing?
Yes. As agencies switch from the Life Skills series to the Life and Work series, either series can be used to post-test. The important thing to remember is that the pre- and post-testing must be done in the same modality (listening, reading or math).
Can I use the appraisal test to determine a post-test?
No. Appraisal tests determine program eligibility and placement, and identify the appropriate pre-test. Additionally, appraisals cannot be used to report student progress.
More CASAS FAQs for Test Administration