This report explores the two tools used for assessing literacy and numeracy proficiency, the Adult Literacy and Life Skills (ALLS) survey and Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF), and finds that, while it is broadly possible to translate the five ACSF performance levels to the ALLS scales, there is not an exact match between the two, especially at the higher levels.
This review of research reviews both the Australian discussion papers on reliability and validity of competency-based assessment as well as international empirical research in this field. The review discusses two types of competency-based assessment - paper-based objective testing techniques and performance assessments as well as the implications for validity and reliability of each type of assessment. The review includes guidelines for establishing procedures to enhance reliability and vaidity.