CASAS Evaluation Tools & Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which CASAS assessment is designed to place learners into the appropriate instructional level before instruction begins?
- Progress test
- Appraisal test (Correct answer)
- Summative test
- Diagnostic interview
Correct answer: Appraisal test
The CASAS appraisal test is a placement instrument used before instruction to determine the appropriate starting level for a learner.
Question 2: On the CASAS scale, a score of 221–235 corresponds to which difficulty level?
- Level A
- Level B
- Level C (Correct answer)
- Level D
Correct answer: Level C
CASAS Level C spans scores from 221 to 235, representing intermediate literacy and numeracy competency.
Question 3: What type of assessment does CASAS primarily use to measure adult learner competencies?
- Norm-referenced assessment
- Criterion-referenced assessment (Correct answer)
- Ipsative assessment
- Intelligence quotient testing
Correct answer: Criterion-referenced assessment
CASAS uses criterion-referenced assessments, meaning scores reflect mastery of specific competencies rather than comparison to a peer group.
Question 4: Which CASAS tool is best suited for measuring incremental skill gains within a program year?
- Appraisal test
- Life skills survey
- Pre/post progress test (Correct answer)
- Intake interview
Correct answer: Pre/post progress test
Pre/post progress tests are administered at the beginning and end of an instructional period to measure measurable skill gains.
Question 5: A CASAS reading test item that presents a bus schedule and asks the learner to find departure times is an example of which assessment approach?
- Decontextualized grammar drill
- Authentic, life-skills-based assessment (Correct answer)
- Standardized norm-referenced item
- Psychometric aptitude measurement
Correct answer: Authentic, life-skills-based assessment
CASAS uses authentic, real-world materials like schedules and forms so that tasks reflect actual life and work situations.
Question 6: Which CASAS content domain assesses an adult's ability to understand workplace safety procedures?
- Consumer Economics
- Health
- Employment (Correct answer)
- Government & Law
Correct answer: Employment
The Employment content domain in CASAS covers workplace skills including safety regulations and job-related reading tasks.
Question 7: When a test administrator reads CASAS listening assessment items aloud exactly as scripted, this standardization is intended to ensure what?
- Faster test completion
- Reduced printing costs
- Reliability and comparability across administrations (Correct answer)
- Higher pass rates
Correct answer: Reliability and comparability across administrations
Scripted administration procedures ensure that every test taker receives identical conditions, which is essential for reliable and comparable results.
CASAS Evaluation Tools & Techniques 2
Which CASAS assessment is designed to place learners into the appropriate instructional level before instruction begins?