'Assessment 101' Course to Help Increase the Value of Training Through Effective Assessment

IOWA CITY, Iowa & ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 24, 2005--Workplace learning and performance professionals can learn how to improve their employee development practices with "Assessment 101," a new 10-part live online course sponsored by ACT and the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). The course will run from Sept. 20 to Nov. 22 and will be available to training professionals on their desktops using VOIP technology.

Part of an educational partnership between ASTD and ACT, "Assessment 101" is a series of 10 one-hour online interactive sessions presented each Tuesday at noon ET. The course will provide an understanding of how assessments can enhance training programs, how to analyze skill assessment needs, and how testing can be used to establish a more effective employee training program. Industry leaders in employee testing and development will lead the sessions.

"ASTD members have been asking us for guidance in using assessments as part of their overall learning and development programs," said Tony Bingham, president and CEO of ASTD. "ASTD's partnership with ACT is an ideal opportunity for course participants to learn from professionals with expertise in the learning and assessment areas."

"Assessment 101" will inform trainers how to evaluate commercially available skill assessments and set up an effective employee testing program for hiring, promotion, training, and certification. A week-by-week synopsis of the course:

-- Week 1: Using tests to increase ROI

-- Week 2: Performing a needs analysis for a test

-- Week 3: Using job analysis data when selecting tests

-- Week 4: Identifying tests that link to the job and obtaining documentation

-- Week 5: Understanding test quality

-- Week 6: Conducting a technical evaluation of the test

-- Week 7: Conducting a practical evaluation of the test

-- Week 8: Legal considerations

-- Week 9: Developing a testing plan

-- Week 10: Implementing an effective testing program

In addition to the live weekly sessions, registered participants will also receive a variety of tools including an online library with bibliographic information and opportunities to apply knowledge to their organization and share experiences with other participants. Successful participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and 1.0 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) from ASTD.

"ACT has seen many examples of companies that greatly improve employee development practices by linking reliable, validated assessments with training," said Michael Eisenstein, president and COO of ACT's Workforce Development Division. "ACT and ASTD have similar missions in improving the skills of the workforce, so it makes sense for us to team up to provide this unique course for training professionals. We are very pleased to be engaged in this partnership with ASTD."

Participants can register by phone, fax, mail, or e-mail. Registration information can be found at http://www.astd.org/astd/Education/Assessment101.htm. The initial section of this course is limited to 23 participants to provide opportunities for classroom discussion and interactivity, and efforts will be made to tailor the course to individual needs.

About ASTD

ASTD (American Society for Training & Development) is the world's largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals. ASTD's 70,000 members and associates come from more than 100 countries and thousands of organizations - multinational corporations, medium-sized and small businesses, government, academia, consulting firms, and product and service suppliers.

ASTD marks its beginning in 1944 when the organization held its first annual conference. In recent years, ASTD has widened the industry's focus to connect learning and performance to measurable results, and is a sought-after voice on critical public policy issues. For more information, visit www.astd.org.

About ACT

ACT is an independent, not-for-profit organization that serves millions of people in high schools, colleges, professional associations, businesses and government agencies with programs and services that have one guiding purpose - to help people achieve education and career goals by providing information for life's transitions. For more information, go to www.act.org.