The advantage of diagnostic tools is that they can provide information about placement and instruction. Ideally, the assessment tools that measure emergent literacy and numeracy practices and skills should be available in a kit that includes manipulatives. Further to this, the government should consider developing a standardized test with parallel forms test with parallel forms that can be administered in a group setting to determine placement and measure progress. This standardized test should be geared towards students with intermediate to advanced competencies, rather than to emergent readers and writers. All of these instruments should be based on a set of Canadian standards for test development.
The respondents want to learn about the range of assessment tools on the market and the most appropriate tools to use with different populations and purposes. The findings reveal that some educators are using tools that are not appropriate for and compatible with the purpose and context of their assessment. Learning how to choose assessment tools was the highest ranked professional development topic for educators with six years of experience or less in the field of adult basic education. When respondents were asked to comment on what they would like to learn about, gaining knowledge about the range of existing assessment tools emerged as the strongest theme, regardless of their years of experience.
An on-line reading assessment database would assist educators with choosing appropriate assessment tools for specific populations and purposes. Such a database would enable educators with limited budgets to do some "comparison shopping" before making a purchase. The database could include a comparison chart that allows users to compare the different assessments features. As well, the database could allow educators to write online reviews.