Colleagues, 

This short discussion between Jean Marrapodi and me may be of interest to the list.  It would be great to hear of other perspectives to the question Jean is posing, including any magic bullets that one may have. 
 
Best,
 
George Demetrion
 
I’m putting together a diagnostic-prescriptive program for adults reading below a 6th grade equivalency, with most less than 3rd, as established by CASAS/TABE. Does anyone have a good diagnostic assessment tool they would recommended for a second step? DAR is used by NIFL ARCS, but is intended for children. I have a few individual components I could cobble together, but really was hoping to find something that existed already to target specific issues. "

Jean Marrapodi 
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
 
From: George Demetrion 
Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:58:45 -0400
To: <jmarrapodi at applestar.org>
Subject: RE: Diagnostic assessments


Jean,
 
The DAR isn't bad in that it addresses word identification, word identification in context, reading comprehension, spelling, and reading comprehension for the more advanced students.  However, the comprehnsion reading passages are not adult oriented and some of them are very arcane.
 
Perhaps as a basic reading diagnostics, the LVA-based revised Read Test is still pretty good in that it addresses many of the components of the DAR, but the reading passages are designed for adult literacy students.  As a pure diagnostic the READ is alright, but is not robust enough for a pre/post measurement tool.  I'm not sure if the DAR qualifies either, which leaves one with the various standardized tests; CASAS, BEST, TABE, etc, which have their own respective problems.
 
In short, I don't think there is a single best instriument, but the DAR, READ as well as the CASAS placement alll give some useful information, as do most any of the standardized assessments..
 

 
Best,
 
George
 


From: jmarrapodi at applestar.org
To: gdemetrion at msn.com
Subject: Diagnostic assessments
Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:08:52 -0400








Hi George.
You talk about DAR in your postings. Do you consider that the best diagnostic screening tool for adults? What others are out there? I’m putting together a diagnostic-prescriptive program for a welfare to work initiative.
 










Jean Marrapodi, PhD, CPLP
teacher by training, learner by design
jmarrapodi at applestar.org
mobile: 401.440.6165
www.applestar.org 

 


 
 
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