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. More information is available in the FY25 Assessment Transition FAQs.

BEST Plus 3.0

This assessment of listening and speaking skills is given orally one-on-one and assesses all NRS levels.  More information is available in the FY25 Assessment Transition FAQs. This assessment and required training should be available from the test publisher by the end of FY25 or earlier.