Adult Language Assessment Scales—Reading, Writing (A-LAS Reading, Writing)

Purpose: To assess the reading and writing skills of adult English language learners.

Target: Adult English language learners in adult education and workforce development programs.

Method and format: Group-administered written tests.

• Reading: reusable test booklets, student answer sheets
• Writing: performance-based, student writing books

Content: Daily life and on-the-job situations and language, understanding instructions and concepts, writing instructions

• Reading: Four sections - vocabulary, fluency, reading for information, grammar, and mechanics
• Writing: Two sections- sentences, longer narrative

Administration time:

• Reading: 8-10 minutes for sections 1 & 2; 10-15 minutes for sections 3 & 4
• Writing: 10-15 minutes for section 1; 20-30 minutes for section 2

Levels and scoring: The reading test is available in two levels. Skill areas are individually scored to identify areas for targeted instruction; combined scores indicate overall proficiency.

Reliability/validity: "Developers normed and validated Adult LAS by testing both native English speakers and ESL adults in various employment and educational environments. By measuring proficiency with a 90% accuracy level, Adult LAS has proven to be a valid, reliable adult language assessment" (publisher's statement).

Number of forms: Two per level

Materials available: Administration and scoring manual, reusable test books, answer sheets, student writing books

CTB/McGraw-Hill
20 Ryan Ranch Road
Monterey, CA 93940
800-538-9547
http://www.ctb.com/