Back in July 2024, the CASAS test was updated to become the CASAS STEPS (Student Test of English Progress and Success). In our previous blog posts, we discussed some of the reasons for the change,we covered acronyms every Adult ESOL teacher should learn, and this week we are answering frequently asked questions regarding the new assessment.
The new test has been available since 2023 and was fully implemented nationwide on July 1, 2024. The CASAS STEPS is approved by OCTAE for NRS reporting through July 2030.
The CASAS STEPS assessments contain more rigorous questions and provide shorter testing times. Both Reading and Listening STEPS now have five levels, measuring academic vocabulary and higher-order thinking skills contained in the ELP Standards. Note that the test form numbers have also changed, ranging from 621R-630R and 621L-630L.
The new test levels are A-E, with two alternate forms for each level. The STEPS levels correspond to NRS levels 1-6. Each STEPS level overlaps with two - and only two - NRS levels, so there is no chance of a level 1 (beginning ESL literacy) student accidentally testing into a level 5 (high intermediate) class.
Reading: Locator (15 minutes); Level A (33 items, 30 minutes); Level B (36 items, 50 minutes); Levels C-E: (36 items, 75 minutes).
Listening: Locator (15 minutes); Level A (33 items, 28 minutes); Level B (36 items, 45 minutes); Level C (39 items, 52 minutes); Level D (39 items, 56 minutes); Level E (39 items, 38 minutes).
No, agencies cannot pretest students on the Life and Work series and post-test on the STEPS series. It is essential that pre- and post-testing always occurs within the same series to ensure test reliability and validity.
Basic communication, consumer economics, community resources, health, employment, and government and law (new for test levels D and E).
The Reading STEPS contains four task areas: 1. Forms; 2. Charts, tables, and graphs; 3. Texts, emails, articles, and narratives; 4. Signs, ads, and labels. The following ELPS skills are assessed: vocabulary, details, main idea, inference, point of view, and supporting evidence.
The Listening STEPS contains five task areas: vocabulary, details, dialogue, main idea, and summary. The following ELPS skills are assessed: retell key details, continue conversation, identify the main topic, and summarize.
app offers a wide selection of educational material to prepare you and your students for the new CASAS STEPS. Our FUTURE series is completely aligned with the new test format, with lesson prep tips, notes and examples for teachers, templates, study guides, test overviews, printed and digital test practices, answer sheets, and the integrated online platform MyEnglishLab.
Click here to download a printable version of the charts and tables, to browse our textbook selection, including our FUTURE Series. If your program is not yet using the series, or if you’d like tutorials and tips as a current user,click here. Follow along onand share this post with your fellow teachers and administrators.
Watching films can be a great way for people to learn English. We all have our favourite movie moments and, even as passive viewers, they're probably teaching you more than you realise. Here's a selection of our favourite scenes, along with the reasons why they're educational as well as entertaining.
As adult learners, our very motivation for learning English can sometimes hinder our progress because we are focusing too much on the end result. The informal way in which children learn English – through music, games and fun activities – offers an environment where they can learn and practise without worrying about the importance of it all. This relaxed attitude, in turn, gives them confidence in learning English and sets them up for more opportunities in their academic pursuits and future career options.
the positive impact bilingualism has on a child’s cognitive development. Catherine Ford, head teacher of Moreton First Prep School, says that children : “Before children become self-conscious they can try out their newly acquired languages without fear of embarrassment”.
Starting the English learning process at a young age will provide the head start that most parents are keen to give their children in life, education and career. More than 77% of parents who were interviewed as part of said they would consider sending their child to study at a university abroad, which involves studying in English.
The number of students pursuing postgraduate studies overseas continues to rise, reflecting the global nature of education. According to the seeking diverse academic experiences and cultural immersion. One crucial factor in this journey is having the right level of English skills, especially when applying to universities in popular destinations such as the US, UK, and Australia.
Learning English from a young age provides a solid foundation, enabling students to tackle more complex language skills tailored to their academic goals. Traditional English teaching often emphasizes reading, writing, and grammar, but studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in an English-speaking culture, enhancing speaking and listening skills.
Mastering English at an early age can be a transformative asset for future career success. English is the lingua franca of business, opening doors to global opportunities and enabling individuals to pursue diverse career paths across borders. As the most widely used language in business worldwide, proficiency in English is a powerful motivator for students aspiring to join global companies.
Bilingualism is becoming increasingly advantageous in the job market, improving employability and making candidates more appealing to employers. , underscoring the competitive edge that language skills provide.
The benefits your children are given by learning English at a young age are invaluable and as they go through life, the possibilities for advancement in their academic and business careers will be wide open. Children are fortunate to have intuitive language learning capabilities from a young age and this is certainly something to capitalize on.
Tim Marsh has been teaching English since 1985 and has taught over 3,500 students, with ages ranging from six to 65. He is therefore well placed to describe teaching English as a “difficult and demanding” job, as well as to share the five lessons he’s learned during his impressive time in his career…
“The Spanish expect paid professionals to know everything about their expertise but there are few teachers of the English language who do know everything. We should prepare lessons adequately when teaching aspects we’re not entirely confident about.
Many CELTA tutors say that if you are asked a question that you cannot answer confidently, you shouldn’t panic but instead inform the student that you will check and give them the detailed answer at the following lesson. This may be useful when you first start out, but it shouldn’t happen frequently, as your honesty will not always be appreciated!”
“Teaching English is very rewarding and can be full of surprises. As a result, it’s not a good idea to try to follow a rigid teaching plan. Write a plan that’s flexible enough to allow for a good dose of spontaneity to enter into proceedings. I can honestly say that not one single day is the same as another.
If a Spaniard is not in the mood for working on a particular skill, as will happen from time to time, then be prepared to change that lesson at the drop of a hat. It’s always a good idea to keep four or five ‘favourite’ lessons filed within easy reach for just such occasions – preferably skills lessons that can be easily adapted to the theme that you are currently working on.
Whatever you had planned for this week can always be done next week. The customer is always right and, when living in Spain, big lunches, high temperatures, Barcelona against Real Madrid and the after-match party can bring about very unexpected lessons!”
“The Spanish are extremely friendly people who love to talk and are happy to share – sometimes in great detail – the problems in their working and even private lives. In an effort to establish friendly relationships, they often create an intimacy: what is referred to in Spanish as ‘confianza’.
This is much the same kind of trust and confidence that we have with our doctors or lawyers, so, unless you’re careful, you can find yourself doubling as teacher and therapist, which will alter the dynamic of the classroom.
A teacher of English teaches English. Stick to what you know, stick to what you’re being paid to do and create a professional framework in which to do your best as a teacher and not as a therapist.”
“The busiest time of the year is often during the summer, when language schools begin to fill up as state-school exam results come in. Parents enroll their children on intensive or exam revision courses so that they can take their resits in September.
English courses are often expensive and parents will expect a guarantee that their child will pass the school English exam at the end of the summer. Never offer a guarantee! There are usually a number of reasons why the child has failed in the first place and it is better to lose a client than to make promises you can’t keep.”
“Many years ago, the famous soprano Rita Hunter was asked what she considered to be the most important requirement when singing opera. She answered, “A good pair of shoes.” She went on to say that when she was appearing in a Wagner opera that started at 5.30 pm and didn’t finish until 11 pm, the most important thing to look after was her feet.
I’ve always tried to avoid institutions that insist on a uniform or on wearing a shirt and tie. Students often feel uncomfortable in a classroom where the teacher is formally dressed. I have always found the working environment much more relaxed when dressed in a similar way to my students. This and the fact that in Spain the temperature can hit the 30s in June and stay there into September mean that I dress casually, often in shorts. And I always wear a good pair of shoes.”
