This site is a test of essential academic skills. This test is used as part of the selection process to admit students into postsecondary education programs.
The TEAS consists of four content areas:
Academic skills seem to focus mostly on essay writing, math, study and reading skills. There are others such as career choice, computer skills, special topics (e.g., science), taking notes and preparing for exams covered as well.
However, there is no clear consensus about what the basic academic skills are.
There is overlap in essential and academic skills in the areas of reading and math. These two are really very basic skills that form part of the “3Rs”. Without competence in reading and math, other cognitively-based skills are difficult to learn. Some psychomotor learning and learning by example are exceptions to this general rule. However, given the information age in which we exist, it is becoming harder and harder to “get by” with these basic literacy skills.
With these basic skills, all other skills can be acquired. The context is where the two diverge. Essential skills are focused on life and work. Academic skills focus on attaining academic success. While there is some overlap in the skills required to effectively execute tasks in life, work, and school settings, there are differences.
Rather than touting one as better than the other, it is more constructive to discuss the skills required for particular contexts.