ED Extends Approval of the Ability to Benefit Tests

    The U.S. Department of Education (ED) recently released a Federal Register, dated April 19, 2002, extending the approval of seven Ability to Benefit (ATB) tests for five years.   An institution may use the seven approved ATB tests, as well as the American College Testing (ACT) Assessment and the Combined English Language Skills Assessment (CELSA) tests, to determine if a student who does not have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent is eligible to receive funds under the Title IV programs. Additionally, ED is removing the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) - Forms 5 and 6, Level A, as an approved ATB test.   Institutions may use the TABE - Forms 5 and 6, Level A, until June 18, 2002.  After that date, only approved ATB tests may be used.

    A copy of this Federal Register is available on ED's website at www.ifap.ed.gov/IFAPWebApp/ index.jsp.  If you are unable to access ED's website and would like a hard copy, please contact Stacey Fabros at (801) 321-7211.  Any questions regarding this Bulletin should be directed to the UHEAA Policy and Training Department at (801) 321-7166 or by e-mail at ceresuma@utahsbr.edu.