The Minnesota ABE Remote Assessment Hub

The purpose of the Remote Assessment Hub is to support Minnesota ABE agencies in enhancing their remote test capacity and test scheduling needs. The hope is that the Hub will assist in achieving increased measurable skill gains in the state of Minnesota.

With the advent of increased online programming, MN ABE has been able to serve more learners who may have previously been constrained by their inability to attend class due to lack of or unreliable transportation, lack of childcare, or physical disability. More recently, in Minnesota, our learners experienced a fear of leaving their homes due to Operation Metro Surge. Most of these factors could be addressed by offering online intake and online classes. However, the need for assessment testing resulted in the loss of reportable hours and the inability to verify growth through a posttest. The use of remote testing was seen as an option that could offer an answer to both intake testing for new students and posttesting for students who had attended more than 40 hours of class.

This year, the Assessment and Support Staff training grant is partnering with CASAS to offer remote CASAS testing to Minnesota programs. Trained CASAS staff will be administering the remote tests. This program is funded by Minnesota supplemental services money and is available, free of charge, to MN ABE programs.

Who is eligible to participate in remote testing?

• All levels of ABE/ASE students and ESL students with an EFL of NRS level 4 or higher are eligible to participate.
• If the student is new and needs a pretest, they must have completed the enrollment process with the program and have a SiD ID number.
• If the student needs a posttest, they must have attended a minimum of 40 hours.
• The student must have a demonstrated ability to access and use Zoom.
• The student must possess a picture ID. (Any photo ID is accepted, e.g. student ID, library card, driver’s license, etc.)

What questions should the program ask the student before referring them for remote testing?

• Does the student have reliable internet and appropriate technology to test remotely? (i.e. PC, Mac, Chromebook, or iPad with a camera and audio, less than 5 years old – NOTE: These tests CANNOT be accessed on a cell phone.)
• Does the learner have an email address that they can access?
• Can the learner access Zoom, including tools such as video, audio, and chat?
• Does the learner have a private, quiet place to test?
• Can the learner test without distraction from others in the home?

What is the program’s responsibility in preparing the student to do the remote test?

1. The local program staff should set up a meeting with the student via Zoom.
2. During the discussion with the student:
   1. The required technology/environmental conditions should be explained.
   2. The internet reliability in their home should be verified.
   3. Their picture ID should be checked.
   4. The Remote Testing Rules document should be made available to the student.
3. The staff person should work through the referral with the student.
   1. The first step of the referral will require the student to choose a date and time to test.
   2. The staff person should be prepared to share the specifics of which test is needed.
   3. The Remote Testing Rules should be reviewed and explained, so that the student understands the expectations.
   4. The student should be told to expect emails and/or text messages from “Elizabeth Gotschall (via Calendly)” verifying and reminding them of their testing appointment.

How does my program get started with remote testing?

For more in depth information, go to MN’s Adult Ed assessment website and click on the “Learn More” button in the middle of the page. This links you to the Remote Assessment page on the website where you can read and review the process and requirements. You can find the registration link at the bottom of the page, which will allow you to work with your learner to choose a test date and time, as well as review the learner testing expectations.

Do you still have questions?

For more information you can watch the Remote Assessment Hub presentation that was done at the MNABE Summer Institute on August 13, 2026. Additional questions regarding the Remote Assessment Hub can be sent to Linda Keller ([email protected]) or Marty Olsen ([email protected]).