Folks,

I work in Ohio with ABLE programs as part of the state leadership network,
and would like to tell folks a little bit about our statewide level of
interest similar to that which Barbara mentioned for New Mexico.

Our state was encouraged several years ago to think about a credential and
workplace education.  A committee on which I served developed a process for
interviewing potential vendors of assessments (FOUR:  Work Readiness
Credential of EFF-US Chamber, Skills Max bundle within Ohio, the ERI from
Canada, and Work Keys).  We have completed a field test with 5 programs and
200 some adult learners, and are planning going to scale with the WorkKeys
credential (which was also just endorsed by the Governors Workforce Policy
Board).  I will find out from the powers-that-be in the state if I can share
more with you about our field test.

I liked the fact that ACT went the through the tortuous process of obtaining
NRS approval for the measure.  This makes it more useful, even if perhaps
not as diagnostic.

On the diagnosticity issue of Work Keys brought up by the posting by
Melinda, I do see the system as more of a summative measure than a formative
one.  One of the teachers in the field test, however, indicated that she
thought that giving a TABE first and Work Keys second seemed to be most
logical approach.  This begs the issue of pre-post testing with the "same"
test and so might not always be appropriate with WIA Title II funding
guidance.  It would require an equating process between the two testing
systems before use in a pre-post (gain) situation.

Lastly, I believe that there are many forms of the WorkKeys rather than just
one.  The delivery can be computer-based, and the scoring can be done by you
(remotely) if you have a testing center approved or licensed by ACT.

The cost is fairly comparable, although scoring costs must be considered in
certain cases, and the WorkKeys system is popular with employers in Ohio
(our Adult Workforce Education component has used it almost since it came
out in the 1990s).

 

 

  _____  

From: assessment-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:assessment-bounces at nifl.gov] On
Behalf Of Barbara Arguedas
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 10:40 AM
To: The Assessment Discussion List
Subject: [Assessment 573] Re: Opinions and thoughts about usingWork
KeysforAdult Literacy Students

 

In New Mexico, the Governor's Office of Workforce Training and Development
is diligently pursuing WorkKeys, including training and marketing to
businesses.  New Mexico has a Career Readiness Certificate that is based on
the WorkKeys assessment.  ABE programs throughout the state have had access
to WorkKeys for several years specifically for use with the TANF (Temporary
Assistance to Needy Families) students.  Our state assessment policy allows
the use of WorkKeys for NRS levels 4, 5, and 6.  We use it for assessment
purposes on a limited basis.  Some programs, including ours here in Santa
Fe, also use KeyTrain for the remediation.  Though we have not used either
of these products extensively, overall we have had favorable results.  Given
that a student can earn the Career Readiness Certificate which will assist
him or her in the job search, we think that the use of WorkKeys will
increase.  Of course, the goal of the student is what drives the study plan.
We do recommend the use of WorkKeys for those who have a goal of employment.
Good luck.

Barbara Arguedas

ABE Director, Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM

 

-----Original Message-----
From: assessment-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:assessment-bounces at nifl.gov] On
Behalf Of Limkemann, Karen
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 7:14 AM
To: The Assessment Discussion List
Subject: [Assessment 571] Re: Opinions and thoughts about using Work
KeysforAdult Literacy Students

 

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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