FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about WorkKeys Reading for Information–Extended and Applied Mathematics–Extended
What are the new Reading for Information–Extended and Applied Mathematics–Extended tests?
The WorkKeys Reading for Information–Extended and Applied Mathematics–Extended tests are the same as the current versions of Reading for Information and Applied Mathematics, except that they also include items that assess skills below the lowest levels on the existing tests' score scales. The new tests include Levels 1 and 2, as well as Levels 3 through 7; the original tests include only Levels 3 through 7.
Can the extended tests be used to earn an NCRC?
Yes. Levels 3 through 7 on these tests are the same as those levels on the original tests.
How long are the extended tests?
Each test includes 42 items. Examinees will be allowed 55 minutes to take each test.
How are the tests delivered?
The new tests will be computer-delivered only, via WorkKeys Internet Version.
What skills are measured at the new Levels 1 and 2?
Why were the new tests developed?
The new tests were developed so they can be used as part of core outcome measures
developed by the National Reporting System (NRS), which is the accountability system for
the federally funded, state-administered adult education system.
When will the extended tests be added to the NRS?
As soon as sufficient data have been collected; and the current deadline for accomplishing
this is October 2012. Therefore, it is critical for ACT to be successful in quickly gaining buy-in
for the usefulness of the tests from customers. ACT is gathering additional data on the
extended tests and will submit its findings to the U.S. Department of Education upon
completion of the studies that are currently being designed.
Does ACT intend to develop similar tests for other WorkKeys skill areas?
No, there are no plans to develop extended tests for other WorkKeys skill areas.
The following FAQs provide additional information about the National Reporting System (NRS) and how the new extended tests comply with it.
To which NRS outcome measures do the extended tests pertain?
Educational gain is one of five core measures identified by the NRS, and this is the measure for which the extended tests may be used. Educational gain is an indicator of the primary purpose of the adult basic education program: to improve the basic literacy and numeracy skills of participants. The four other core measures are entered employment; retained employment; receipt of a secondary credential; and entered postsecondary education. The U.S. Department of Education uses these measures to evaluate the performance of state programs in a number of areas, including eligibility for incentive grants. States must report the pertinent core outcome measures for all individuals who received 12 or more hours of service under Workforce Investment ACT (WIA) programs during a reporting period.
How does NRS measure educational gain?
The NRS establishes definitions of the educational functioning levels at which individuals
are initially placed based on test results that identify their ability to perform literacy-related
tasks in specific content areas. Basic reading and mathematics are two of these content
areas. After a set period of time, individuals are assessed again to determine whether their
skill levels have changed. If test results reflect skills that are sufficient to place them one or
more levels higher than their original level, an "advance" is recorded for that individual. The
state program reports this outcome as part of NRS accountability measures.
How will the new extended tests improve the way in which progress is reported?
WorkKeys assessments were originally designed to identify a level of functional literacy that
is associated with workplace performance and to measure skills that meet or exceed this
threshold, which represents Level 3 on Reading for Information and Applied Mathematics.
Individuals who do not possess this level of skill do not receive scores when they complete
conventional WorkKeys assessments. Therefore, their progress could not be tracked and
WorkKeys results could not be reported as part of NRS core outcome measures. The
availability of the new tests is intended to remedy this limitation.
Do other WorkKeys assessments currently serve as core outcome measures?
The U.S. Department of Education has determined WorkKeys Reading for Information – Extended and WorkKeys Applied Mathematics – Extended to be suitable for use in the NRS. These tests can be used to report progress of individuals placed at the High Intermediate Basic Education level and higher levels.
How do the new extended tests expand opportunities to use WorkKeys assessments?
The NRS includes six educational functioning levels for basic reading and mathematics.
Three of these levels precede the High Intermediate Basic Education level identified above.
WorkKeys Reading for Information–Extended and WorkKeys Applied Mathematics–Extended are designed to produce scores representing skills that align with the three lower
NRS levels.