Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language, Second Edition (CASL-2)

Purpose: Measure the oral language processing skills of comprehension and expression across four categories: Lexical/Semantic, Syntactic, Supralinguistic, and Pragmatic

Age: 3-21 years

Time: 5 to 10 minutes for each test and 45 minutes for the General Language Ability Index (known as the Core Composite in the original CASL)

The Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language, Second Edition (CASL-2) is the most up-to-date measure of oral language skills available. It offers the flexibility of 14 stand-alone tests in one comprehensive yet specific battery.

The CASL-2 can be used by speech–language pathologists and other professionals in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, private practices, and intervention programs. When you need to evaluate response to intervention (RTI), you can use the CASL-2 to track improvement over time. It can help you answer a variety of referral questions, including eligibility for speech services, placement in special education, determining if a language delay or disorder is present, or measuring language abilities in English language learners.

The CASL-2 shares the same underlying theory as the popular Oral and Written Language Scales, Second Edition (OWLS-II). Since these tests are based on the author’s Integrative Language Theory, they provide a cohesive evaluation across a broad range of language areas. While the OWLS-II provides an evaluation of oral and written language, the CASL-2 offers a more in-depth picture of 14 spoken language skills.

What it Measures

For children and young adults ages 3 to 21, the CASL-2 measures spoken language across four structural categories:

1. Lexical/Semantic: Knowledge and use of words and word combinations
2. Syntactic: Knowledge and use of grammar
3. Supralinguistic: Knowledge and use of language in which meaning is not directly available from the surface lexical and syntactic information
4. Pragmatic Language: Knowledge of language that is appropriate across different situational contexts and ability to modify language according to the social situation

Within these categories, 14 stand-alone tests give you the flexibility to measure only the specific area or areas that you are interested in. You can interpret each test separately and/or combine test scores to get a wider picture of oral language skills.

The CASL-2 tests feature extended age ranges so you can start assessing and intervening earlier, as well as track progress in the same child over many years using the test. Many of the tests now include younger ages, and all of them extend to age 21.

Test items are designed to focus on the main area of interest (for example, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and so on) to reduce or eliminate the need for memory where possible. This is achieved by using pictures and repeating words at the beginning and end of an item.

The CASL-2 Pragmatic Language Test is particularly useful for measuring social communication skills in people with autism spectrum disorder or social (pragmatic) communication disorder, since it measures the ability to understand and apply societal rules and expectations. It is the only performance test that measures pragmatic language abilities in children under age 6.

Standard scores are available for the following:

1. Each of the 14 tests (specific skill scores)
2. Lexical/Semantic Index, Syntactic Index, Supralinguistic Index (categorical index scores)
3. Receptive Language Index and Expressive Language Index (language processing index scores)
4. General Language Ability Index (GLAI) (overall skill index score)

On the back of the record forms there is a chart that clearly shows which tests are required to obtain the different index scores based on the examinee’s age (this chart is also here).

How to use the CASL-2

Using one of three self-standing test easels, you read items aloud and the examinee responds by speaking or pointing. All of the easels now feature full-color illustrations that make administration more engaging, especially for young children, and updated items to address current technology. In addition, the easels include instructions, examples, pictures, items, prompts, sample correct and incorrect answers, scoring criteria to streamline the administration process, and tabs so you can easily flip to the test you want.

There are two CASL-2 record forms, the Comprehensive Form and the Preschool Form, both described in the table (below). Using the appropriate form, you record the examinee’s responses by hand. Across the 14 tests, suggested Start Items allow you to skip the items that are not applicable to the individual’s age. Consistent basal and ceiling rules (four correct items in a row and four incorrect items in a row, respectively) save you time by making it easy to remember when you can stop an administration.

Both CASL-2 record forms now include a fold-out panel making it easier to transfer raw scores to the Score Summary page, where you can easily convert them to standard scores. In addition, both forms include an Item Analysis Worksheet for each test, providing qualitative information that is helpful for writing IEP goals and intervention plans.

FREE Online Scoring and Reporting

Upon purchase of a CASL-2 Kit or pack of Forms, you can access digital scoring and reporting through the WPS Online Evaluation System—at no additional charge.

This gives you the option to score online and automatically generate useful reports, including a Score Report with Item Analysis, Progress Report, and Profile Summary Report.

To access the online scoring and reporting, you will need to register for a WPS Online Evaluation System account. To register for an account, please contact ACER Customer Service. 

NB: Both forms can also be scored by hand using the Manual.