Literacy and numeracy assessments of adult English language learners: an analysis of data from the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool

The Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool was developed to provide reliable information on learners' reading, writing, numeracy and vocabulary skills against the Learning Progressions for Adult Literacy and Numeracy. The tool was rolled out and mandated across the New Zealand tertiary education system in 2011. The aim of this report is to shed light on the suitability of the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool for assessing the literacy and numeracy skills of English language learners. In order to pursue this aim, the report provides a descriptive account of assessments of English language learners using the Assessment Tool, in comparison with learners whose first language is English. The term 'English language learners' is used in this report to refer to learners who have participated in programmes or courses in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) as well as any learners whose first language is not English.

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