CDE Announcements Archive

March

CASAS Field Testing and Research (sent March 2, 2022)

Dear Adult Education Administrators,

California Adult Educators have an opportunity to take part in CASAS field testing and research studies for a necessary update to the current CASAS GOALS test series. We want to ensure that the updated test series reflects the diversity of students that we serve in our California adult education programs and that the test results accurately reflect the measurable skills gains and other outcomes of our students.

CASAS has developed new test forms to expand the Math GOALS Series for ABE/ASE. These test forms align with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education. Technical research studies based on ABE/ASE student performance on the new math test forms must be reviewed by OCTAE to ensure their validity and reliability for use in the NRS.

The NRS review deadline is approaching. We encourage you to participate in these studies, with the goal of having 4,000 students participate in the math test studies by May 2022.

Field test forms are available as CASAS eTests or paper tests.

All ABE/ASE students and ESL students at NRS 4 or higher can take the math field test forms.

Students are compensated with gift cards for completing one or two tests at $20 per test.

The benefits of field testing include:

  • Provides students with added confidence in test taking experiences
  • Reduces anxiety for students
  • Gives students an idea of test items
  • Can be included as instructional time
  • Teachers can preview items on the new tests.
  • Teachers can use the opportunity to coach students as they prepare for post-tests.

CASAS staff will guide you through the process and provide additional support and incentives. There are opportunities for ESL research studies as well.

Please contact fieldtesting@casas.org by March 22, 2022, to express interest in participating or to get more information.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Zachry, Ed.D.
Education Administrator and State Director
Adult Education Office
California Department of Education
916-322-2175
adulteducation@cde.ca.gov