Testing
Students entering the ESOL program are required to take the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) language placement test. Students entering the ABE or GED programs are required to take the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) for placement. Similarly, students entering career and technical programs consisting of 450 clock hours or more in length are also required to take the TABE upon entry into their program of study. The purpose of testing is to verify grade levels for individualized instruction and program completion. Additional assessments may also be administered to establish occupational program goals and objectives for students.
Adult Basic Education (TABE)
The TABE is used to establish a student’s grade level in Reading, Math, and Language. It is administered to all students entering vocational, GED and adult high school completion classes. If student’s test scores exceed the required academic level for their chosen course (GED or high school completion), no further testing is necessary. When students fall below the required level, they are placed in Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes and post-tested at the end of the school trimester. If the required level is achieved on the post-test, students can enter their programs. TABE score requirements for vocational students vary according to the occupational program. In most cases, where students score low on the TABE they are allowed to participate in the program while simultaneously undertaking remedial work to improve their academic levels.
Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS)
The CASAS test is administered to students entering English language classes. It consists of Reading and Listening components. After pre-testing, the lower of the two scores is used for placement in one of six ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) levels ranging from Foundations to Advanced. After participating in ESOL classes for at least 70 hours and making adequate academic progress, students can take the post-test. The results of the post-test will determine whether they advance to the next level or continue for further instruction in the same level. Itemized test reports generated from the CASAS are also used by ESOL teachers to tailor instruction to students’ needs.
English Literacy for Career and Technical Education (ELCATE)
English language learners who score at Intermediate level or above on the CASAS reading test may be placed in ELCATE classes. The instruction in these courses is specifically tailored to support student career pathways. Advancement through the three levels of ELCATE is determined by administering the Employability Competency Skills reading test (ECS) as a post-test.
End of Course Exams (EOC)
High school students in the State of Florida are now required to take end, of course, exams (EOC) in certain subject areas for graduation purposes. The Algebra I EOC was introduced in May 2011 and will be given again in December 2011. During the 2011/12 school year, Biology and Geometry exams will also be added with further EOC exams in subsequent years. Students taking any of the above courses should speak to the counselor about testing requirements.