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Texas Adult Education Standards and Benchmarks
for ABE ASE and ESL Learners

Implementation Guide
Version 1.0
June 2007

Section 4: Resources

Section

4

Helpful Hints for Implementing the Standards
National Reporting System Educational Functional Level Descriptors
Lesson Plan Template
Helpful Websites
Standards Specialists
GREAT Center Trainers Who Have Standards Specialist Training

National Reporting System Educational Functional Level Descriptors

Functioning Level Tables

Outcome Measures Definitions

Educational Functioning Level Descriptors—Adult Basic Education Levels
Literacy Level Basic Reading and Writing Numeracy Skills Functional and Workplace Skills

Beginning ABE Literacy

Test Benchmark:
TABE (7–8 and 9–10) scale scores
(grade level 0–1.9)
:
    Reading:  367 and below
    Total Math:  313 and below
    Language:  389 and below
CASAS scale scores:
    Reading:  200 and below
    Math:  200 and below
    Writing:  200 and below
ABLE scale scores (grade level 0–1.9):
    Reading:  523 and below
    Math:  521 and below

Individual has no or minimal reading and writing skills.  May have little or no comprehension of how print corresponds to spoken language and may have difficulty using a writing instrument.  At the upper range of this level, individual can recognize, read, and write letters and numbers but has a limited understanding of connected prose and may need frequent re-reading.  Can write a limited number of basic sight words and familiar words and phrases; may also be able to write simple sentences or phrases, including very simple messages.  Can write basic personal information.  Narrative writing is disorganized and unclear, inconsistently uses simple punctuation (e.g., periods, commas, question marks), and contains frequent errors in spelling. Individual has little or no recognition of numbers or simple counting skills or may have only minimal skills, such as the ability to add or subtract single digit numbers. Individual has little or no ability to read basic signs or maps and can provide limited personal information on simple forms.  The individual can handle routine entry level jobs that require little or no basic written communication or computational skills and no knowledge of computers or other technology.

Beginning Basic Education


Test Benchmark:
TABE (7–8 and 9–10)  scale scores
(grade level 2–3.9):

    Reading:  368–460
    Total Math:  314–441
    Language:  390–490
CASAS scale scores:
    Reading:  201–210
    Math:  201–210
    Writing:  201–225
ABLE scale scores (grade level 2–3.9):
    Reading:  525–612
    Math:  530–591

Individual can read simple material on familiar subjects and comprehend simple and compound sentences in single or linked paragraphs containing a familiar vocabulary; can write simple notes and messages on familiar situations but lacks clarity and focus.  Sentence structure lacks variety, but individual shows some control of basic grammar (e.g., present and past tense) and consistent use of punctuation (e.g., periods, capitalization). Individual can count, add, and subtract three digit numbers, can perform multiplication through 12, can identify simple fractions, and perform other simple arithmetic operations. Individual is able to read simple directions, signs, and maps, fill out simple forms requiring basic personal information, write phone messages, and make simple changes.  There is minimal knowledge of and experience with using computers and related technology.  The individual can handle basic entry level jobs that require minimal literacy skills; can recognize very short, explicit, pictorial texts (e.g., understands logos related to worker safety before using a piece of machinery); and can read want ads and complete simple job applications.

Low Intermediate Basic Education


Test Benchmark:
TABE (7–8 and 9–10) scale scores
(grade level 4–5.9):

    Reading:  461–517
    Total Math:  442–505
    Language:  491–523
CASAS scale scores:
    Reading:  211–220
    Math:  211–220
    Writing:  226–242
ABLE scale scores (grade level 4–5.9):
    Reading:  613–644
    Math:  593–641

Individual can read text on familiar subjects that have a simple and clear underlying structure (e.g., clear main idea, chronological order); can use context to determine meaning; can interpret actions required in specific written directions; can write simple paragraphs with a main idea and supporting details on familiar topics (e.g., daily activities, personal issues) by recombining learned vocabulary and structures; and can self and peer edit for spelling and punctuation errors.

Individual can perform with high accuracy all four basic math operations using whole numbers up to three digits and can identify and use all basic mathematical symbols.

Individual is able to handle basic reading, writing, and computational tasks related to life roles, such as completing medical forms, order forms, or job applications; and can read simple charts, graphs, labels, and payroll stubs and simple authentic material if familiar with the topic.  The individual can use simple computer programs and perform a sequence of routine tasks given direction using technology (e.g., fax machine, computer operation).  The individual can qualify for entry level jobs that require following basic written instructions and diagrams with assistance, such as oral clarification; can write a short report or message to fellow workers; and can read simple dials and scales and take routine measurements.

High Intermediate Basic Education


Test Benchmark:
TABE (7–8 and 9–10) scale scores
(grade level 6–8.9):

    Reading:  518–566
    Total Math:  506–565
    Language:  524–559
CASAS scale scores:
    Reading:  221–235
    Math:  221–235
    Writing:  243–260
ABLE scale score (grade level 6–8.9):
    Reading:  646–680
    Math:  643–693
WorkKeys scale scores:
    Reading for Information: 75–78
    Writing: 75–77
    Applied Mathematics:  75–77

Individual is able to read simple descriptions and narratives on familiar subjects or from which new vocabulary can be determined by context and can make some minimal inferences about familiar texts and compare and contrast information from such texts but not consistently.  The individual can write simple narrative descriptions and short essays on familiar topics and has consistent use of basic punctuation but makes grammatical errors with complex structures.

Individual can perform all four basic math operations with whole numbers and fractions; can determine correct math operations for solving narrative math problems and can convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions; and can perform basic operations on fractions.

Individual is able to handle basic life skills tasks such as graphs, charts, and labels and can follow multistep diagrams; can read authentic materials on familiar topics, such as simple employee handbooks and payroll stubs; can complete forms such as a job application and reconcile a bank statement.  Can handle jobs that involve following simple written instructions and diagrams; can read procedural texts, where the information is supported by diagrams, to remedy a problem, such as locating a problem with a machine or carrying out repairs using a repair manual.  The individual can learn or work with most basic computer software, such as using a word processor to produce own texts, and can follow simple instructions for using technology.

 

Notes:  The descriptors are entry-level descriptors and are illustrative of what a typical student functioning at that level should be able to do.  They are not a full description of skills for the level. ABLE = Adult Basic Learning Examination; CASAS = Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System; SPL = student performance levels; and TABE = Test of Adult Basic Education.

 

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