Spanish Language Tests Used with Adult Learners Availability

Los exámenes del GED en Español

Purpose: To assess the educational achievement of native-Spanish-speaking adults

Target: Native-Spanish-speaking adults who are seeking a high school equivalency certificate

Method and format: Group administered, multiple choice; writing skills Part 2 is essay

Content: The assessment is composed of five tests: interpreting literature and the arts (reading), writing skills part 1 (grammar, usage, mechanics), writing skills part 2 (expository essay), social studies, science, and mathematics. Questions are classified by cognitive level: comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Administration time: 45 minutes per test

Levels and scoring: Standard scores range from 200 to 800 for each test.

Reliability/validity: Information is available in the Technical Manual, but this manual has not been updated since 1993 (American Council on Education).


Number of forms: One

Materials available: Current materials are available only through GED testing centers. Sample questions from the 1988 Series: International, French, Spanish are available at http://www.acenet.edu/clll/ged/sampleQ -TT.cfm (the sample questions are in English). Spanish practice tests are available from Steck-Vaughn (now HarcourtAchieve), 800-531-5015, http://www.steckvaughn.com

GED Testing Service
One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 250
Washington, DC 20036
202-939-9490
http://www.gedtest.org

Native Language Literacy Screening Device— Spanish

Purpose: To assess the native language literacy levels of native speakers of Spanish

This screening device is also available for 26 other primary languages.

Target: Native-Spanish-speaking adults in adult basic education programs

Method and format: Performance-based

A loose-leaf notebook contains the introduction, protocol for administration, and six pages of assessment assignments in each language. Learners are asked to complete the first three pages without assistance. If they do so, they do the silent reading portion and write a short essay.

Content: First three pages address date and place of birth, number of members in the immediate family, number of years of school attendance in the country of origin, current job and interests, and previous exposure to English classes. The reading section is four short stories. In the essay, the examinee writes about him/herself.

Administration time: (not provided)

Levels and scoring: The administrator scores on the basis of observation: whether the student needs help with first three pages, how long the student takes to complete the reading, how long the student takes to write the essay, the quality of handwriting, and the amount of text produced. This device provides a general indication of literacy skills, but is not precise or detailed enough to gauge achievement.

Reliability and validity: No information available from
publisher.


Number of forms:
One

Materials available: This screening device was developed for use by the New York State Department of Education, and is primarily used in that state. Training workshops are available.

Hudson River Center for Program Development
102 Mosher Road
Glenmont, NY 12077
http://www.hudrivctr.org/products_el.htm