Thanks Mark for the prompt response.

 

I appreciate your clarification with respect to the level descriptors and the challenge in aligning them with the NRS descriptors. I agree that media attention has focused on the Below Basic level. In addition to that level, adult ed’s role relative to basic skill development for individuals in the Basic level is pretty clear.

 

After reading the descriptors and seeing some sample test items, it seems to me that the adult education role may extend into the higher levels, especially in terms of document and quantitative literacy. However, without some formal alignment with the NRS, I wonder how the adult education system will be able to make the argument for the great extent of need for its services.

 

Thanks.

Ajit

 

 

 

Ajit Gopalakrishnan

Education Consultant

Connecticut Department of Education

25 Industrial Park Road

Middletown, CT 06457

Tel: (860) 807-2125

Fax: (860) 807-2062

HYPERLINK "mailto:ajit.gopalakrishnan at po.state.ct.us"ajit.gopalakrishnan at po.state.ct.us

   _____  

From: assessment-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:assessment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Kutner, Mark
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 2:46 PM
To: The Assessment Discussion List
Subject: Re: [Assessment] Your questions re: the NAAL

 

Hi Ajit.

 

Now that the first NAAL report is out, all is well :)   We are busy finalizing the next report which is scheduled for release in the Spring.

 

A model for developing small area estimates to estimate state level data for non-participating states, as well as sub-state data is under development.  The work is being supported by NCES in response to state concerns. When this project is completed, non-participating states will have state-level and sub-state level estimates of prose literacy.  Also, for the states that purchased a state sample their sub-state estimates will be more statistically precise.  This work is being conducted by Westat, with AIR as a subcontractor.  We will have a better idea about the time frame for the release of these small area estimates in the next couple of months, although as an NCES funded activity the work is subject to stringent technical review which can be somewhat time consuming.

 

Trying to link the NRS and NAAL levels is a complicated task.  However, I strongly believe that the NAAL data in of itself certainly demonstrates the need for the adult education system.  While a lot of media attention has focused on the adults with Below Basic literacy, many adult education clients are likely in the Basic literacy level.  The abilities associated with below Below Basic literacy certainly places limits on adults as they undertake activities related to their roles as parents, workers, and members of the community.  

 

I hope this helps.

 

Mark

 

   _____  

From: assessment-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:assessment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Gopalakrishnan, Ajit
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 2:03 PM
To: The Assessment Discussion List
Subject: Re: [Assessment] Your questions re: the NAAL

Hello Mark,

 

Hope you are well.

 

I have two questions: The first is about state level data. Will there be any specific state level data for those states that did not pay to have their sample sizes increased? I presume it is inappropriate to apply the national percentages to a states’ adult population. I am not sure how this was handled with the 1993 NALS but it appears that some extrapolation was done in the late 90s to arrive at state level estimates.

 

My second question is about the four literacy levels. I understand that these levels are different from the NRS levels but is there any way to establish some comparison? For example, can the descriptors for these four levels be compared with the NRS level descriptors? Knowing this would help to establish more precisely the need for the adult education system.

 

Thanks.

 

Ajit

 

Ajit Gopalakrishnan

Education Consultant

Connecticut Department of Education

25 Industrial Park Road

Middletown, CT 06457

Tel: (860) 807-2125

Fax: (860) 807-2062

HYPERLINK "mailto:ajit.gopalakrishnan at po.state.ct.us"ajit.gopalakrishnan at po.state.ct.us

   _____  

From: assessment-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:assessment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Marie Cora
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 1:10 PM
To: 'AssList'
Subject: [Assessment] Your questions re: the NAAL

 

Dear List Members,

 

Mark Kutner of American Institutes of Research (AIR) is on the List and would be glad to answer any questions people may have regarding the NAAL.  One of Mark’s many projects is the NAAL study – you are director of that project, isn’t that right Mark?  Folks, please take this opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

 

For information on adult education related projects at AIR, go to:  HYPERLINK "http://www.air.org/projects/projects_ehd_adult_ed.aspx"http://www.air.org/projects/projects_ehd_adult_ed.aspx

 

Thanks,

 

marie cora
Moderator, The National Institute for Literacy Assessment Discussion List, and 
Coordinator/Developer LINCS Assessment Special Collection at 
HYPERLINK "http://literacy.kent.edu/Midwest/assessment/"http://literacy.kent.edu/Midwest/assessment/

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: assessment-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:assessment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Marie Cora
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 3:46 PM
To: AssList
Subject: [Assessment] NAAL release

 

Dear List Members,

 

Last Thursday, Dec. 15 the results of the NAAL (National Assessment of Adult Literacy) were released, and some interesting discussions ensued on the NLA List (HYPERLINK "http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla"http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla).  

 

To find information on the NAAL and its background, as well as discussion threads from the NLA, go to the ALE Wiki, Public Policy area at:

HYPERLINK "http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Public_Policy"http://wikiliteracytent.org/index.php/Public_Policy

 

If you would like to hold discussions on the NAAL, please do not hesitate.

 

Thanks,

marie cora

Assessment Discussion List Moderator

 

 

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