Test readiness tools 

Discuss formal education experiences and digital expertise with the test candidate to gauge their general readiness to take the CAEC test. The discussion guide will help you have an informal assessment discussion, covering topics such as 

• Previous education

• Reasons for taking the test

• Language of education

• Digital expertise.

Make changes to the guide to better suit your context.

Based on the conversation, if candidates are likely ready to take the test, ask them to try the sample tests. They can try the test at home or in the program. 

If trying the test at home, ask the candidate to record their scores. They can take a screen shot or write it down. Also ask them to make notes about any parts of the test they found challenging. This information will be the basis of tutoring and instruction. 

If the candidate is in the program, encourage the candidate to ask questions and identify any confusing parts of the test.

Based on information from other instructors, candidates are ready to take the CAEC test if they score 80% on the sample tests.

If candidates have trouble with the sample tests, identify areas in need of support. Meet with the candidate and review the sample tests together. Through conversation, observation and direct demonstration, determine whether the candidate can do the following:

• Read digital texts and respond to test questions focused on grammar and punctuation. (These are likely the more difficult questions). 

• Compose a persuasive letter online. Clearly articulate an argument and support claims with evidence.

• Recognize and apply select foundational science principles and concepts to respond to test questions.

• Recognize and apply select foundational Canadian history, geography, government and economic facts and concepts to respond to test questions.

• Remember middle and some high school math, and various problem-solving techniques.

• Manipulate different test answer formats such as ordering, drag and drop and selecting.

• Navigate a complex test interface and use available online tools. 

Are adult learners ready to take a CAEC test-preparation course? Evaluate foundational learning using select CAEC sample test items. You will help the candidate do the following:

1. Read a sample test source (i.e. "Family Camping") and respond to the related test questions to determine the candidate's ability to read unfamiliar text (with a readability of Grade 8) on a general subject.

2. Write a five to seven sentence paragraph expressing an opinion and integrating some evidence to help you determine if the candidate is ready to develop more complex persuasive writing abilities.  

3. Complete most of the no calculator math questions to determine if a candidate has confidently mastered adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages.

Use the optional foundational learning assessment for candidates who don't yet have the digital confidence to navigate the sample test. Candidates can complete the assessment in Google Docs or it can be printed.

Outcome 1 - The candidate is ready to take the test. They are able to complete the sample tests independently and most answers are correct (i.e. 80%).

Outcome 2 - The candidate is almost ready to take the test, but could benefit from a two to three hour workshop to build confidence and discuss more complex elements of the digital platform and general test-taking strategies. 

Outcome 3 - The candidate has the foundational skills and knowledge to complete the test, but is in need of targeted test preparation in one or more subjects.

Outcome 4 - The candidate needs to build foundational skills and knowledge before considering the CAEC test.

• Foundational reading means the candidate can confidently and consistently read at about a Grade 8 to 10 level.

• Foundational math means the candidate has mastered whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages.

• Foundational writing means the candidate can clearly express an opinion that is supported by examples or evidence in a paragraph that is five to seven sentences long.