Organising the initial assessment

The initial assessment for the Literacy and Numeracy Programme is reported using the NRS. Assessment tasks are rated at, and range from, NRS level one to NRS level four. This allows the interviewee to fully demonstrate their competence across the relevant skill areas and enables the assessor to be more accurate in their assessment.

The assessment process covers all five skill areas. The students selected for this program needed to be competent at level 2 in at least two macro areas. Reading and writing tasks are often integrated and the texts used at level I 2 & 3 are based on subject matter that is familiar. Oral communication is assessed informally throughout the interview.

The assessment interview

The initial assessment is an hour long interview. The initial part of the interview is used to reassure and relax the client by explaining that this is not a `test’ or `formal interview’ but a means of determining whether or not they will benefit from this program.

It is also an opportunity to establish a comfortable relationship with the client allowing and encouraging them to reveal the kind of background and personal information required to determine if the client will be suited to and benefit from the aims and content of the program.

This may include:

• age

• evidence of social and behavioural problems

• living arrangements

• ability to communicate

• level motivation

• level of commitment

• previous work experience

• schooling

• goals

• own perception of ability

This process also helps to establish which level of assessment task will be most appropriate as a starting point. Interviewees are usually asked to read a text aloud, answer questions about the text in a written form and write a short piece on a topic related to the text. The assessor may assist the interviewee with the reading or interpretation of the questions and the interviewee should feel free to ask as many questions about expectations and clarify instruction whenever necessary.

All five skill areas are assessed. Tabled below are the competencies and assessment tasks that relate directly to the aims and content of the project. Students participating in the project will be working to achieve NRS level 3 in these same areas.

Preparing assessment documentation

The results of the assessment, supporting evidence and assessment tools used will be documented using the attached format *

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