Skillscape

Author(s): Pauline Smith & Chris Whetton

Publisher: ASE 1999

Purpose: To measure basic literacy and numeracy skills

Employment Categories: Semi-skilled and unskilled employment positions and further training

Candidates: 15+ years of age

Administration: Level 1: Literacy: 20 minutes, Level 2: Literacy: 20 minutes; Level 1 Numeracy: 35 minutes, Level 2 Numeracy: 30 minutes

Scoring: By hand

Features: Detailed scoring plan for open ended questions

Content: Skillscape is a reliable and flexible assessment that measures an individual’s acquired levels of comprehension, writing and number handling abilities.

The tests are suitable for candidates who may have few or no academic qualifications, such as production line operatives and school leavers.

There are two levels available:

• Level 1 – reading age of 9-10 years
• Level 2 – slightly higher reading age of 11 years

Each level is comprised of two tests: literacy and numeracy. The Pre-Screen is administered to help decide upon the appropriate level of full length test that should be used for each individual.

• Literacy – understand and extract information from a variety of written sources. Level 1 also includes a short writing test which examines spelling and grammar and the aptitude to carry out straightforward writing tasks.
• Numeracy – ability to complete simple arithmetic, approximate answers to more complex calculations and apply numerical concepts to everyday problems.