Background Information on CASAS
The CASAS order for Community-Based Classes
Order your eCASAS test by noting the correct test on the CASAS tab on your attendance roster.
Why CASAS? – The CASAS test is assessment instrument used by
ABE/ESOL Basic Skills Programs in Washington State
for program assessment. The information in this
section gives the background information on why and
how we use the CASAS test.
Student CASAS test scores are entered into the state’s WABERS+ database. The state data is aggregated at the end of each academic year (June 30) and submitted to the National Reporting System (NRS). The state ABE office monitors local program outcomes and provides technical assistance for programs performing below expectations.
One advantage of a statewide standardized basis for student progress is that it allows a coherent and consistent transferability of students from one college to another.
Local programs are rewarded for increased student outcomes through this initiative. For every 5-point gain made by a lower-level basic skills student (CASAS 210 and below) on a CASAS “post-test” throughout the year, the college earns 1 point. For every 3-point gain made by upper-level basic skills students (211 and above) on a CASAS “post-test” throughout the year the college gains 1 point. These points are part of an overall college point total and rewarded financially at year-end. For more information about the Student Achievement Initiative, visit http://www.sbctc.ctc.edu/college/education/student_achievement_qa_000.pdf
CASAS test scores help ESOL students can identify where they stand in regard to future choices. Entry to the ABE/GED® program and I-BEST professional-technical options require identified CASAS scores for program entry.
Each academic year, the Basic Skills program is required to report its outcomes to the Green River Board of Trustees. Significant progress on CASAS tests (every 3-5 point gain on either/both the reading and listening tests throughout the year) provides the basis of this report.
At the state level, student outcomes based on CASAS test scores has made the case effectively to the Washington State Legislature that adult basic education provides meaningful instruction for those most in need of education and training. At the local level, student outcomes help us promote our programs to community service providers.
CASAS competencies provide context for the WA learning standards framework and are relevant across the full range of instructional levels, from beginning literacy to students transitioning to postsecondary education and training. These competencies address many of the topics in a basic skills curriculum such as health, employment, government and law, and basic communication. Within these topics, more than 360 essential life skills are identified that illustrate community, family, and workforce competence. The CASAS resource QuickSearch lists more than 2,300 print, audio, visual, and computer-based instructional materials, and correlates them to the CASAS competencies.