As writing ability becomes increasingly crucial for both personal and on-the-job success in a challenging economy, look to CASAS Functional Writing Assessment as your guide to establishing a strong, practical writing program.
Functional Writing Assessment is the premier system for assessing the writing skills of adults, whether they are enrolled in education and training programs or are employed.
The system uses inspiring picture task prompts that allow for demonstration of writing abilities while enabling instructors to focus on key writing skills:
- Content
- Organization
- Word choice
- Grammar and sentence structure
- Punctuation, spelling, and capitalization
The Functional Writing Assessment cannot be used for NRS reporting purposes. However, it can be used for state and local accountability purposes.
Delivery Formats
Paper-and-Pencil Tests
Scoring Options
Manual Scoring
Advantages and Benefits
- Appropriate for assessing beginning to advanced-level writing skills
- Administered through thought-provoking picture task prompts
- Easy to administer, score, and interpret results
- Innovative balance between life skills and workplace-focused writing
- Picture task prompts strongly focused on the everyday lives of today's adult learners
- Appropriate for use with native and nonnative English speakers
Writing Assessment Specifics
CASAS Functional Writing Assessment provides the tools you need for:
- Placement
- Monitoring writing progress
- Screening for employment or training referrals
- Determining program exit or level advancement
- Certifying the completion of a level or a program
- Norming across levels
Students have up to 30 minutes to complete a picture prompt writing task.
Functional Writing Assessment correlates to CASAS Competencies and to CASAS Content Standards. Use student test results to help target instruction.
Writing Assessment Scoring
Learning to score writing assessment is a key part of Functional Writing Assessment training. A scoring service is available for agencies with a limited number of writing tests to score. Please make arrangements in advance for this service.
Resources
Use the QuickSearch Online database to determine instructional resources by assessment series, skill area, program type, CASAS competency, publication title, and by publisher.
Training is required to order and administer the CASAS Functional Writing Assessment. Contact CASAS for more information on training options.
Ordering
Order Functional Writing Assessment.