A study was conducted during the past year to test the new audiocassette supplement of the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE). The TABE audiocassette was designed as a possible testing modification for students with reading problems. Dr. Larry Evans of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences tested 500 students from 25 adult education programs. Students took the TABE Survey Form twice, once using the audiocassette and once without. When using the audiocassette, each student was given a tape player and headphones. The TABE audiocassette reads all TABE instructions, test items, and response choices while the student follows along and uses the normal test booklet and answer form.

Several interesting results came out of the study. First, when scores using the audiocassette were compared to those without it, three groups of students were found. The first group did better using the audiocassette, not only for the TABE Reading test, but for other tests as well. The second group was the largest group, and obtained similar scores with or without the audiocassette. The third group actually did worse using the audiocassette. Students in this group were usually good readers who may have been slowed down by using the audiocassette.

A second interesting finding was that it was difficult to predict in advance who would do better with the audiocassette. Students provided information about themselves before testing, including if they had disabilities. These student characteristics, including a claim of reading disability, were actually poor predictors of who would benefit from the audiocassette. The best predictor of benefit from the audiocassette was a significantly higher score on the TABE Reading test when using the audiocassette.

The study's final report recommended that students taking the TABE for the first time always use the audiocassette for the TABE Locator test. After the Locator test, students should be given both forms of the TABE Reading test. Students should use the audiocassette for the first form, and no audiocassette for the second form. The reading scores should then be compared before completing the TABE. If the score from using the audiocassette is a specific number of points higher, then the student can complete the remaining TABE tests using the audiocassette. Adult education programs are given some latitude in selecting a specific number difference for students to use the audiocassette for the entire TABE. This latitude is based on whether a program wants to offer the modification to students with mild, moderate, or only severe reading problems. Specific number differences for these levels of reading problems are contained in the final report.

For several years now, a committee has been meeting to find a solution to the current problems with the inequitable funding formula.

In January 2004, this committee is taking its findings to local directors for insight.

Photo to left shows Sharon Ellis, Priscilla Flowers, Nancy Whitmire, & Paulette Martin

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