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.

Testing Schedules

CASAS testing are offered at our local center, after noons at 4:00 PM until evenings at 7:30 PM. TABE testing are offered at our local center, after noons at 4:00 PM until evenings at 6:00 PM. For further information about any of the above tests and for testing schedules, please contact Miami Senior Adult Educational Center at (305) 649- 9800 ext. 2100.