Zahler Diane - TASC: Test Assessing Secondary Completion

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1. Read Closely to Make Inferences, Cite Evidence,
and Draw Conclusions

HOW TO USE THIS CHAPTER

Read Why a New Test Now? and What Is the Common Core? to learn basic information about the TASC test.

Read About the Test to find out about the different test sections and to see some sample questions.

Review Test-Taking Strategies to discover some effective ways to get your best score.

CTB/McGraw-Hill designed the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) to meet the demand of many states for a new, affordable high school equivalency assessment. States wanted a test that was easily accessible to adult learners and provided options for administering the exam. By 20152016, the test will also offer a degree of rigor not found on earlier equivalency tests. This level of rigor is now required for high school graduation in states that have adopted the Common Core State Standards.

Like the high school equivalency exams that have existed since the 1940s, the TASC test compares your achievement to that of graduating high school seniors across the United States. In addition, it measures your readiness for college and the workforce as defined by the Common Core State Standards. Unlike other high school equivalency exams, the TASC test is reasonably priced, and it is available as a paper-and-pencil test as well as online. This allows states to phase in computer-based testing at a reasonable pace.

The TASC test assesses knowledge and skills in English language arts (including reading and writing), math, science, and social studies. It is available in English and Spanish and in large-print, braille, and audio versions.

In states that recognize and use the TASC test, passing the TASC test may help you get a job, advance in a current job, apply for college, or qualify for military service. Successful test-takers will receive both Career and College Readiness (CCR) and passing scores. Passing the TASC test with a satisfactory CCR score means that your skills compare to those of students who graduate from Americas high schools. It means that you are well prepared for college or career.

The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The Standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.

Common Core State Standards Initiative

For nearly a decade, states had been hearing from community colleges that students were entering unprepared for college work. Community colleges had to provide remedial courses at enormous cost. Even so, most remedial students failed to earn a degree, even after up to eight years. Meanwhile, businesses reported that young people entering the workforce lacked critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that their bosses considered crucial. Many new employees could not write or do basic arithmetic at an acceptable level.

At the same time, US students continued to do poorly when measured against students from other nations. On international tests, high school students from the United States tested about mid-range in reading. They tested below average in math. Americas place in the global economy was challenged because American students could not compete with international standards.