Assessment testing as a predictor of student success in Adult Basic Education mathematics courses

High attrition rates in ABE programs are a major concern for all adult educators. Accurate assessment and proper placement may be an effective strategy for reducing ABE attrition rates. A common approach to diagnosing the educational needs of ABE learners is standardized testing. The question is: Can standardized test scores predict student success in ABE courses? To answer this question, a research project was undertaken at the University College of the Cariboo to determine if the Canadian Achievement Test (CAT/2) could predict student success in ABE courses. The results from this study indicate that the CAT/2 mathematics sub-tests scores are potent predictors of student success in ABE mathematics courses. In addition, the findings from this project support the theory that coaching activities enhance students' performances on achievement tests. Moreover, the qualitative data collected during this project challenge the universal view that testing traumatizes the fragile ABE learner.