A recent point has come up at discussions of assessments that I would 
like to delve into.  In our local discussion of standardized 
assessments, the statement has been made that there are no standardized 
assessments that are appropriate for learners at or near the lowest 
levels of literacy.  As examples, this includes the CASAS, the TABE, and 
the BEST, which you might agree are reliable and valid for intermediate 
to advanced learners.  This is for either ABE or ESOL learners.

I'm simply curious to ask and hear from others:  (1)  Do you agree with 
this statement, and why or why not?  (2)  What do you think an 
appropriate standardized assessment for that level should include or 
look like?  and, (3) Do you think we could come up with a specific 
enough list for a program, publisher or vendor to work through creating 
a standardized assessment that would meet this need?

I appreciate your assistance, so that I can think this through sincerely 
and deeply.  Howard.