Why use the CAEL Assessment?

We chose the CAEL Assessment because it contains, and expects students to produce (in writing & speech), the actual academic language of the university community. This validity was crucial in our decision. It means that even when we “teach to the test” (and by this I do not mean “rehearse”, but teach the kinds of skills that are going to be tested) we will be teaching exactly what we have always been teaching – or should have been teaching.
Robert Berman, Director English Language Program, University of Alberta

The CAEL Assessment is used as an entry and exit test at the World Maritime University to measure progress made during the 17-week English and Study Skills Program. The CAEL Assessment actually reflects the syllabus. This is so important to us. We really like it. There is no gap anymore between what the test is doing and what we are doing in our classes.
Inger Sund-Batista, Coordinator, English, World Maritime University,
Malmö, Sweden

One of the CAEL’s most attractive features is its academic focus. That is, the CAEL results provide a reliable indicator of the potential for academic success because its test focus is application rather than ascertaining the student’s knowledge of language structure. We chose the CAEL after careful examination of other well-known assessment tools and were impressed with its ease of administration and the technical support provided.
Barbara Benson, Director Academic Writing Centre, University of Windsor

The CAEL Assessment is valuable to us in the intensive ESL program because it allows us to “teach to the test”. All four skills are tested and everything the student learns is of value. It tests language use in a practical way and in an academic context.
Lee Kinsman, Coordinator, Intensive English, Carleton University

Best test of the students’ ability to use English at the university level available today. Teachers have adopted the CAEL strategies in the ESL classes (readings, lectures, note-taking, timed writings) as they are the skills students require in their credit courses. Teaching to the test is not a major problem because the CAEL requires those language skills that students need in order to be successful in university.
Fausta Capogna, Coordinator, ESL, Trent University

We have consistently found the test to be a much more accurate instrument for predicting academic success than the other tests available. We have found the Carleton University testing experts to be very helpful in setting up and customizing the scoring system for our needs at Ryerson. We plan on continuing to use the CAEL Assessment as long as it is available.
Louis Buchanan, Chairman, English Department, Ryerson University