CASAS STEPS for Reading and CASAS STEPS for Listening are the new CASAS standardized tests that apply the critical thinking promoted in the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). Stand Out co-author Rob Jenkins will share practical classroom applications that promise to promote improved language development with the added benefit of greater CASAS results. In applying these basic principles, students will practice critical thinking like categorizing, comparing, analyzing, and inferring while preparing seamlessly for the CASAS STEPS test. Participants will learn the types of activities that they can promote in the classroom which reflect the tests so learners are better prepared for what they will see on the STEPS tests, all in the context of a well-constructed lesson plan. Rob will use examples from the new edition of Stand Out: Evidenced-Based Learning for Life, College, and Career to show how integrating these strategies will lead to success for all students.

Rob Jenkins is a popular presenter and author of English as a Second Language topics. He is a retired faculty member from Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education where he taught ESL for 27 years and served as faculty development coordinator for 20. He was honored with several faculty awards from his college and the Best Practice of Model Program Award in 2013 from the Association of Community and Continuing Education. Rob and Staci Johnson received the 2013 Heinle Outstanding Achievement Award from National Geographic Learning for their textbook series, Stand Out.