"GAIN is specifically designed
to measure basic skills in terms of the six NRS Educational Functioning Levels"
The mission of Adult Basic Education (ABE) Programs is to provide instruction in the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics to adult learners in order to prepare them for transitioning into the labor market or higher academic or vocational training. For the past three years, Wonderlic's test and technology development efforts have been concentrated on ABE. Our goal in serving adult educators is our development of the General Assessment of Instructional Needs (GAIN). GAIN is specifically designed to measure basic skills in terms of the six educational functioning levels as defined by the National Reporting System (NRS).
Currently, our Wonderlic Basic Skills Test is an approved measure of Federal Title IV "Ability-to-Benefit" (ATB) funding and is also approved for levels 3, 4 & 5 for NRS reporting purposes. Our vision is to leverage our technology, adult basic education, adult advanced education and employer client network to the mutual benefit of adult educators and their students.
The General Assessment of Instructional Needs (GAIN)
The General Assessment of Instructional Needs (GAIN) tests all six NRS Educational Functioning Levels of adult learners striving to successfully complete basic education programs. Wonderlic collected valuable feedback and insight from hundreds of adult educators before creating GAIN. The result of this extensive research was a single format assessment that allows for maximum efficiency, reduced test administration time and lowered overall expenses.
Unlike other pre-existing NRS assessments, GAIN scores are reported in terms of NRS levels, greatly simplifying the interpretation of results. It also measures all six NRS educational functioning levels in a single test format without the use of a locator test.
Content
The GAIN measures basic English and math skills of adult learners. The NRS educational functioning levels range from Beginning ABE Literacy (little or no knowledge of English and math skills, to High Adult Secondary - having high levels of comprehension and practical application of skills.
The GAIN report provides educators with various types of feedback at the group and individual level including:
- NRS Level Reports
- Test Taker Skill Progression
- Recommendations for Further Study
- Average NRS Educational Functioning Level
- Performance Details
There are two versions of GAIN English and math forms. Each section has a time limit of 45 minutes. The GAIN can be administered via paper or online; however, both are automatically scored and reported online.
Purpose
Wonderlic designed the GAIN to meet the needs and requirements of adult educators and proposed Department of Education regulations for NRS reporting. The GAIN reports on learner progress and provides individual feedback on specific areas, helping educators determine where future training may be beneficial.
