This section contains information on ELA assessments, including training requirements and supporting resources.

For questions about ELA assessments, contact Catherine Porter at cporter@cntrmail.org or Laurie Martin at lmartin@cntrmail.org.

CASAS Reading STEPS & CASAS Listening STEPS

CASAS Reading STEPS is a multiple-choice reading assessment for all NRS levels. It can be given by paper or computer-based e-Tests.
CASAS Listening STEPS is a multiple-choice listening assessment for all NRS levels. It can be given by paper or computer-based e-Tests; however, the computer-based format is strongly recommended.
Click HERE to learn more about the CASAS Reading & Listening STEPS series including training, remote assessment, and ordering information.

BEST Literacy 2.0

BEST Literacy 2.0 is a paper-based consumable assessment of reading and writing. It can only be used to assess NRS levels 1-4. Students who pre-test into NRS Level 4 (Low Intermediate) will need to be re-tested with another test series (such as CASAS Reading or Listening STEPS) to show movement out of Level 4. Test administrators must follow testing and scoring practices in the BEST Literacy 2.0 Test Manual.

Training is strongly recommended and is available from the test publisher. More information on training and ordering is available HERE. The IL PDN does not provide training or technical assistance on this test.

BEST Plus 3.0

This assessment of listening and speaking skills is given orally one-on-one and assesses all NRS levels. Test administrator training and certification is required and is available for a fee from the test publisher.

Training and ordering information is available HERE. The IL PDN does not provide training or technical assistance on this test.

TABE CLAS-E Forms C/D

TABE CLAS-E is a set of 4 individual tests of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each test assesses all NRS levels. Tests may be administered individually or together. Test administrator certification is required and available for free from the test publisher.

Training information is HERE. More information about the test and ordering is available HERE. The IL PDN does not provide training or technical assistance on this test.