-----Original Message-----
From: Gopalakrishnan, Ajit [mailto:Ajit.Gopalakrishnan at po.state.ct.us] 
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 3:04 PM
To: The Assessment Discussion List
Subject: RE: [Assessment] Your questions re: the NAAL
 
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
ajit.gopalakrishnan at postate.ct.us
<mailto: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
ajit.gopalakrishnan at postate.ct.us
<mailto: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:
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 
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
(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:
http://wikiliteracytent.org/index.php/Public_Policy
<http://wiki.literacytent.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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