CASAS Evaluation Tools & Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CASAS portfolio assessment would most likely include which of the following as evidence of learner progress?
- Only a final multiple-choice score
- Collected work samples and self-assessments over time (Correct answer)
- A single timed standardized test
- A teacher's informal impressions only
Correct answer: Collected work samples and self-assessments over time
Portfolio assessments gather multiple artifacts — writing samples, completed forms, and reflections — to document growth over time.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes formative assessment in a CASAS-aligned program?
- An end-of-year standardized exam
- Ongoing checks for understanding during instruction to guide teaching (Correct answer)
- A one-time placement interview at enrollment
- A federally mandated follow-up survey
Correct answer: Ongoing checks for understanding during instruction to guide teaching
Formative assessment is continuous and embedded in instruction, providing teachers with real-time information to adjust their approaches.
Question 3: A rubric used in CASAS performance-based evaluation should primarily be designed to do which of the following?
- Rank learners against each other
- Provide clear, consistent criteria for evaluating observable skills (Correct answer)
- Replace standardized test scores entirely
- Measure reading fluency speed
Correct answer: Provide clear, consistent criteria for evaluating observable skills
Rubrics define explicit performance criteria so that evaluation of demonstrations or writing is consistent and transparent across raters.
Question 4: In CASAS terminology, which statement correctly distinguishes a pre-test from an appraisal test?
- An appraisal is longer and harder than a pre-test
- A pre-test is given after instruction; an appraisal is given before
- An appraisal determines initial placement; a pre-test establishes a baseline at the start of a specific class (Correct answer)
- They are interchangeable terms with no meaningful difference
Correct answer: An appraisal determines initial placement; a pre-test establishes a baseline at the start of a specific class
The appraisal identifies the correct instructional level for placement, while the pre-test sets a specific baseline against which post-test gains are measured.
Question 5: Which CASAS assessment series is specifically designed for English language learners at the lowest proficiency levels?
- CASAS GOALS
- CASAS Life & Work
- CASAS Basic Literacy (Correct answer)
- CASAS Workforce
Correct answer: CASAS Basic Literacy
The CASAS Basic Literacy series targets learners who are beginning to read, using simple visuals and highly supported items.
Question 6: When a CASAS instructor uses observation checklists during role-play activities, what is the primary purpose?
- To satisfy federal standardized testing requirements
- To document oral communication and functional skill performance (Correct answer)
- To calculate learners' reading grade levels
- To replace the need for written tests entirely
Correct answer: To document oral communication and functional skill performance
Observation checklists capture evidence of speaking and listening competencies that written tests cannot fully assess.
Question 7: The CASAS GOALS series assessments are aligned to which national framework for adult skill levels?
- Common Core State Standards
- NAEP Grade-Level Benchmarks
- College Board AP Standards
- CASAS Competencies and Educational Functioning Levels (EFLs) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: CASAS Competencies and Educational Functioning Levels (EFLs)
CASAS GOALS assessments are directly linked to CASAS Competencies and align with National Reporting System Educational Functioning Levels.
CASAS Evaluation Tools & Techniques 3
A CASAS portfolio assessment would most likely include which of the following as evidence of learner progress?