Module 2 - Orientation and Assessment
Assessment
Standardized Tests
Many programs use a “standardized test” as both an initial assessment and a tool for periodic progress checks. Standardized assessments (almost entirely multiple-choice) are commonly used because they are considered to: a) be easy to administer to a group, b) be tested by the publisher as accurate for a wide group of skill levels by similar types of students (normed), and c) allow for comparisons of both a student’s performance at two points in time and between groups of students (for program or classroom improvement purposes).
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"I know how to do this stuff in class and, although I get nervous, I am always eager to see how much I have progressed when I take the test." |
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“Many of our students have never seen a standardized test before. They are often nervous. However, we know that our students need to learn how to take these kinds of tests to get into further training or higher education. Teaching test-taking skills is important for our students.” |
Take a moment to consider the implications that administering standardized assessments can have for instruction for adult learners.
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On your worksheet, record your initial thoughts about standardized assessments and adult literacy instruction. |
Common standardized assessments for adult learners include the TABE (Tests of Adult Basic Education), CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System), and the Official GED (General Educational Development) Practice Test. These are achievement tests, designed to measure how much adults know in content areas such as reading, math, language skills, science, and Social Studies. To ensure valid and reliable results, it is critical that these assessments be administered and scored according to the published instruction booklet(s). Instructors must be familiar with test administration procedures, and, when needed, train in the proper administration of standardized assessments.
Listed below is a real-life adult education scenario. While you are reading, consider the needs of the students and the concerns of the instructor.
Real-Life Scenario - Raul’s Class:
As a new adult instructor, Raul has received an orientation to his new workplace, some professional development regarding instruction for adult learners, and has now been assigned students in a night class. In reviewing the students’ files, he finds that several are brand new and need an initial assessment, while others have had an initial assessment, but no other assessment of progress in over six months. He is eager to test his students so that he can plan his instruction around the skills or topics that students need the most.
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On your worksheet, record your thoughts on the concerns of the instructor and the needs of the adult learners. |
Click the + sign in the box to the right to see ideas from other Adult Education Instructors. | [?] |
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The first few times I have to administer a standardized test, I read the test administration manual beforehand and always refer to it during the testing process. It's usually pretty straightforward. Then I carefully look over the test results to see which questions a particular student missed. This helps me to begin planning with the student on which skills they need to improve.
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It is good for students to see what types of questions they missed each time they take a standardized test. Retesting on a regular basis helps students see their progress and identify areas to concentrate on.
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It helps to schedule one specific time to administer standardized assessments for a group of students rather than to test students individually. Many adult education programs provide the initial testing during orientation.
In reviewing these ideas, did you find any similar to your own? Did any of them strike you as particularly interesting? Did they provide any new insights for your instruction of adult learners?
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On your worksheet, make note of any tips, insights, or new ideas gained from the instructors’ suggestions. |
In Summary:
- Standardized assessments are often considered best as an indicator of the areas and skills in which students need instruction.
- Standardized assessments should be administered according to published instructions, and instructors should be comfortable and familiar with these procedures.
- Adult learners should be counseled about what to expect during the standardized assessment process and how to interpret the results.
- It is appropriate to instruct adults in some general test-taking strategies before they participate in standardized assessment.
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On your worksheet, record any final notes or thoughts, specific ideas you want to remember, plans for further study, etc. |
Click "Next" below or a specific topic on the outline to the left to continue.
