Learner Assessment Guide
Sometimes the hardest part of learning and improving is knowing where to start. LCLC has a variety of assessments to help pinpoint what grade level a learner is currently at so that we can give them help best suited for where they are.
Reading Assessments
For new English speakers or those struggling with pronunciation. A scrambled alphabet, learners will look at each letter and describe the kinds of sounds they typically make. It is not uncommon for ESL learners to struggle with particular letter sounds, so assessing which letters are giving them trouble could save a lot of time when working on pronunciation later. 5-10 minutes
For new English speakers or those struggling with reading and recognition, this assessment is a scrambled alphabet. Learners will identify each letter and whether it is capital. 5-10 minutes
A selection of word lists that goes from k-9th grade level. This assessment is about determining what a learner can read and pronounce, with less of a focus on comprehension or usage. Helpful for determining general vocabulary level. 15-20 minutes
Passages for reading levels k-12. This assessment provides different passages along with tutor questions to help assess comprehension. While vocabulary isn’t being assessed specifically, having the learner read the passage aloud and answer questions will also help gauge their pronunciation ability. 15-20 minutes
The challenger series of books are designed to take learners through various reading levels according to where they are. Challenger books should be challenging but not frustrating. The assessment involves a combination of word lists and short reading comprehension passages. 20-30 minutes
The Laubach Way to Reading is a comprehensive reading program designed to place students at an appropriate reading level and take them through the basics of English. Early levels focus on pronunciation and basic comprehension, all the way to more complicated compound words and metaphorical context. Screening lists include word lists and comprehension testers, as well as breaking down words into their parts, the letters and the sounds. Each assessment should take about 15-20 min
The Voyager/Endeavor series of books are designed to take learners through various reading levels according to where they are. Voyager/Endeavor books should be challenging but not frustrating. The assessment involves a combination of word lists and short reading comprehension passages. The Voyager/Endeavor reading series is like the Challenger series. Challenger starts at a slightly lower level, but both are 8 book series designed for adult learners. 20-30 minutes
Math Assessments
This 5-minute assessment is designed to see how much basic math can be completed in a timely manner. The difficulty of questions ranges from 1st-11th grade math. No calculators are allowed, but scratch paper is necessary. The kinds of “tools and tricks” used on the scratch paper should help inform their current level. For instance, are they transposing numbers, converting from decimal to fraction and back etc. 10 minutes
GED Math Benchmarking – 4 Section Tests
Section 1 – Rational Numbers Section 2 – Measurement
– Answer Key – Answer Key
Section 3 – Algebraic Equations Section 4 – Algebraic Graphs
– Answer Key – Answer Key
This four section GED benchmarking assessment is meant to test various aspects of high school level math. The questions correspond to specific skills so the tutor can hone in on specific areas of need. About an hour per section is required.
ACT
This 2021 practice tests covers all of the major ACT test areas as well as includes helpful tips for each section. This exam is useful for people preparing for the ACT. Doing every section is an intense and time-consuming process, so make sure it’s something the learner needs or has asked about before administering. 4 hours
GED
This 2021 practice tests covers all 4 test areas. This exam is useful for people preparing for the GED. Doing every section is an intense and time-consuming process, so make sure it’s something the learner needs or has asked about before administering. 4 hours
GED Study Guides
Looking to help a learner with taking the GED? Here are a number of helpful study guides that should help you with lesson planning and them with learning.