While many respondents commented on the breadth of demonstrations, others stated that that they would "like to see more" in the next edition. A frequent request was for demonstrations that are "workplace-related." The respondents recognized that CABS is time-consuming and "often takes two sessions to complete." Yet, they felt that the time "was well-spent because it provides a way to get to know the learner's background and goals for the future."
What type of assessment tools would you like to see developed in the future? This question resulted in an extensive wish list from 330 respondents, ranging from tools that assessed workforce and academic readiness to those that diagnosed math anxiety. Despite this range, data analysis indicated that the highest rankings were for assessment tools that assess (1) emergent literacy and numeracy skills; (2) numeracy and writing skills; and (3) learning disabilities. The respondents wanted the tools to be user-friendly and culturally sensitive for First Nations and English as a Second Language (ESL) students.
Among the respondents, the highest-ranked need was for a tool that could be used with students whose literacy and numeracy skills and processes are at a very basic level. The respondents wanted a user-friendly tool that would not intimidate the learner or the assessor, as many programs utilize volunteers to assess students. They wanted this tool to measure progress, which means that it must include alternate forms or components for initial, on-going, and exit assessment. They also wanted this tool to inform instruction, which means that reference material that shows how the assessment results link to instruction would be beneficial. Several respondents remarked that they wanted to use this tool with ESL students, as well as literacy students.
Existing assessment tools do not provide a comprehensive assessment of students with limited literacy and numeracy skills, making a tool of this nature a necessity. Currently, three commercial Canadian assessment tools designed for adults are being used across the country: CAAT, CARA, and CABS.