Melinda,

To the best of my knowledge there is only one form of the WorkKeys
assessment.  It is designed as a screening tool for employment purposes
so that employers will have some assurance of an applicant's skill level
in the different areas.  Also, at least in Indiana, there is no way to
score the test locally.  They are all sent in to ACT for scoring.

The test does not break down specific skill sets; for instance fractions
or percentages. Also, in adult education programs tied to the National
Reporting System, Work Keys is not listed among acceptable assessments.
The KeyTrain software program does allow for some diagnostics regarding
specific skills but we use the TABE in addition to information that can
be pulled from KeyTrain when creating a adult learning plan (ALP) with a
student. In Indiana the state testing policy for adult ed allows only
TABE or CASAS.

Some state are creating employability certifications based on Work Keys
but again that is for employment purposes rather than an educational
credential such as GED or high school graduation test.

Karen

 

 

 

 

________________________________

From: Melinda Hefner [mailto:mhefner at cccti.edu] 
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 10:46 AM
To: The Assessment Discussion List
Subject: [Assessment 572] Re: Opinions and thoughts about using Work
KeysforAdult Literacy Students

 

Karen, thank you so much for this response.  You say that WorkKeys is
not diagnostic in nature and that you would hesitate to use it as a
pre-post test tool.  Can you elaborate?  I would really, really
appreciate it.

 

Melinda

 

 

Melinda M. Hefner
Director, Literacy Support Services

 

Basic Skills Department
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
2855 Hickory Blvd.
Hudson, North Carolina  28638
Office:  (828) 726-2245
FAX:     (828) 726-2266

 

 

 


 



>>> "Limkemann, Karen" <Karen.Limkemann at fwliteracyalliance.org> 01/10/07

9:13 AM >>>

We use KeyTrain heavily with ABE, GED, and ESL but do not have access to
WorkKeys.  The workforce development folks handle that testing in
Indiana.  We have found KeyTrain to be a great tool for a variety of
folks.  

You might want to contact someone in Michigan.  It seems I heard that
they are going to use WorkKeys as a high school exit exam. I would
hesitate to use it as a pre-post tool as it is not diagnostic in nature.

Karen Limkemann

The Literacy Alliance 

Fort Wayne, IN

 

 

 

________________________________

From: Melinda Hefner [mailto:mhefner at cccti.edu] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 5:31 PM
To: assessment at nifl.gov
Subject: [Assessment 569] Re: Opinions and thoughts about using Work
Keysfor Adult Literacy Students

 

oops....sorry for the it's/its!!!!!!  :-(


>>> "Melinda Hefner" <mhefner at cccti.edu> 01/09/07 4:18 PM >>>


I apologize in advance if this duplicates a recent question/discussion,
but I hope you will let me know your opinions and thoughts about using
Work Keys as an assessment tool for ABE, GED, and Adult High School
students.  Pros?  Cons?  Recommend it's use?  Recommend it's conditional
use?  Don't recommend it?

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Melinda

 

Melinda M. Hefner
Director, Literacy Support Services

 

Basic Skills Department
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
2855 Hickory Blvd.
Hudson, North Carolina  28638
Office:  (828) 726-2245
FAX:     (828) 726-2266

 

 

 


 

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