Formal Assessment

Standardized tests are usually administered in two stages at your literacy program by trained staff:

• Pre-test: Given before your learner begins her tutoring sessions. The pre-test measures current skill levels for literacy instruction.
  
• Post-test: Given after a number of instructional hours (ex., 40 hours). This test measures the progress your student has made, such as grains in educational functioning levels in math or reading.

In Virginia, state approved formal assessments include the TABE, BEST Plus , and CASAS. At the very lowest levels of literacy skills, these commercial tests might not accurately or completely assess your learner's abilities. That is why your informal observations are such an important component.