The CASA—Reading test is one of three subtests in an assessment of academic skills intended to evaluate qualified teaching candidates for educator licensure in the State of Indiana. Each of the CASA subtests was created to determine teaching candidates’ knowledge and skills in accordance with Indiana’s comprehensive Rules for Educator Preparation and Accountability (REPA) Educator Standards. The CASA—Reading test in particular covers multiple objectives and standards outlined by the State of Indiana to guarantee Indiana students receive stringent, high-quality reading instruction from highly dedicated and qualified educators.
What are the eligibility requirements to take the CASA—Reading test?
Candidates can take the CASA—Reading test on its own or in combination with the remaining two subtests. In order to earn licensure, candidates will eventually need to pass all three subtests. To take the CASA—Reading test, you must meet the educator credentialing standards outlined by the Indiana Department of Education. Elementary teachers (grades K-6) must earn a bachelor’s degree in a reading-related field with an education minor, or a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in a reading-related field. Secondary teachers (grades 5-12) must earn a bachelor’s degree in a reading-related major with a minor in education.
What fees are associated with the CASA—Reading test?
The CASA—Reading test costs $38 on its own (each subtest costs $38). You may pay your test fees using a debit or credit card during online registration. Paying by check requires contacting Evaluation Systems via the Indiana CORE website to arrange payment. Please note: testing centers may charge additional fees, which are typically paid directly to the testing center.
What is the passing score for the CASA—Reading test?
You must receive a score of at least 220 on the CASA—Reading subtest. Again, prospective educators in the State of Indiana must pass all three subtests in order to qualify for teacher credentialing. You will receive your preliminary passing score immediately subsequent to the test. If you take the CASA—Reading test individually, your official score report will be available within 10 business days of the test. If you take the CASA—Reading test concurrently with the other CASA subtests, your official scores will be available within 20 business days of your test date.
What does the CASA—Reading test cover?
The CASA—Reading test is a computer-delivered test consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions. You will be allotted 75 minutes to complete the test. The CASA—Reading test contains two content domains, each covering specific objective ranges, standards, and attendant topics. The test’s domains, objective ranges, standards, topics, and approximate weighted percentages are as follows:
- Domain I: Literal and inferential reading, objectives 0001-0002, Standards 1-2, 50%
- Objective 0001: Meaning of words and phrases, Standard 1
- Ability to determine word and phrase meanings and context
- Including: applying knowledge of context, structure, and syntax, along with multiple meanings, word relationships, nuances, and denotative/connotative meanings
- Ability to determine word and phrase meanings and context
- Objective 0002: Main idea, supporting details, and text structure, Standard 2
- Understanding of texts’ central ideas, supporting details, and structure
- Including: determining central themes, analyzing central idea development, recognizing supportive and illustrative ideas, and recognizing effective summaries and outlines
- Understanding of texts’ central ideas, supporting details, and structure
- Objective 0001: Meaning of words and phrases, Standard 1
- Domain II: Critical and evaluative reading, objectives 0003-0004, Standards 3-4, 50%
- Objective 0003: Purpose and point of view, Standard 3
- Understanding of writer’s point of view and purpose
- Including: recognizing implied or stated purposes, writer’s choice of words and meanings, assessing the role of point of view in shaping content and style, etc.
- Understanding of writer’s point of view and purpose
- Objective 0004: Critical reasoning, Standard 4
- Use of critical reasoning skills in evaluating texts
- Including: identifying cause-and-effect relationships, making inferences and drawing conclusions from implied or stated information, recognizing assumptions, evaluating arguments and claims, assessing bias, credibility, and objectivity, etc.
- Use of critical reasoning skills in evaluating texts
- Objective 0003: Purpose and point of view, Standard 3
Test Preparation
Now that you’ve gained a better understanding of the basic content, objectives, and standards associated with the CASA—Reading test, you need to begin preparing. To best ensure you pass the CASA—Reading subtest on your first attempt, you need to thoroughly prepare using the most comprehensive test preparation materials on the market. Mometrix Test Preparation’s Indiana CORE Secrets study guide includes the exact material you need. In the Indiana CORE Secrets study guide, test-takers like you get access to authentic Indiana CORE exam content, along with expert tips for reducing test anxiety, boosting recall, and improving test performance. In addition to the Indiana CORE Secrets study guide, Mometrix offers an in-depth CORE Practice Test, as well as a complete set of Indiana CORE Flashcards. Pass the CASA—Reading subtest on your first attempt by reading the Indiana CORE Secrets study guide, assessing your knowledge and skills with the Indiana CORE Practice Test, and improving your information retention with the Indiana CORE Flashcards.