CASAS Competencies

CASAS competencies 2.1–2.9 focus on community resources, including using the telephone, locating travel and transportation information, and understanding time and weather concepts. This collection also includes information about holidays, culture, and educational systems and services. 

2.1.1 Use a telephone directory 

2.1.2 Identify emergency numbers and place emergency calls 

2.1.4 Interpret information related to telephone, cable, and other communications services, including plans, rates, and billing

2.1.6 Interpret information about using a pay telephone and phone cards 

2.1.7 Take, interpret, and leave telephone messages 

2.1.8 Use a telephone or similar device to make and receive calls and for other functions 

2.1 Use the telephone and similar communication systems

2.2.1 Ask for, give, follow, or clarify directions to a place or location, including reading signs 

2.2.2 Recognize and use signs related to public transportation  

2.2.3 Identify or use different types of transportation in the community, and interpret traffic information 

2.2.4 Interpret transportation schedules, fares, and payment procedures 

2.2.5 Use maps relating to travel needs, including internet-based map systems 

2.2.6 Identify and interpret documentation requirements for travel, including applying for documents and completing forms 

2.2.7 Interpret and follow security policies and procedures, and regulations related to travel and transport 

2.2 Understand different types of transportation and travel-related information 

2.3.1 Interpret clock time 

2.3.2 Identify the months of the year and the days of the week 

2.3.3 Interpret information about weather conditions 

2.3.4 Interpret and write dates 

2.3.5 Interpret information about time zones 

2.3 Understand concepts of time and weather 

2.4.1 Address items for mailing 

2.4.2 Identify options for mailing and shipping, and interpret rates and types of services 

2.4.3 Interpret postal service and other forms associated with mailing and shipping 

2.4.4 Purchase stamps and other postal items and services 

2.4.5 Interpret procedures for tracking shipments 

2.4.6 Interpret a postal money order form 

2.4.7 Interpret postal regulations and mailing and shipping procedures and requirement

2.4 Use mailing and shipping services 

2.5.1 Locate and utilize services of agencies that provide emergency help 

2.5.2 Access governmental social services, e.g., Social Security, Medicare, welfare programs 

2.5.6 Use library services 

2.5.8 Identify community organizations and their purpose and functions 

2.5.9 Identify and use child care services in the community 

2.5 Use community agencies and services 

2.6.1 Interpret information about recreational and entertainment facilities and activities 

2.6.2 Locate information in TV, movie, and other entertainment listings 

2.6.3 Locate and Interpret information in order to plan for recreational activities and other events 

2.6.4 Interpret and order from restaurant and fast food menus, and compute costs 

2.6 Use leisure time resources and facilities 

2.7.1 Interpret information about holidays 

2.7.2 Interpret information about ethnic groups, cultural groups, and language groups 

2.7.3 Interpret information about social issues 

2.7.4 Interpret information about religion 

2.7.5 Interpret literary materials such as poetry and literature

 2.7.6 Interpret materials related to the arts, such as fine art, music, drama, and film 

2.7.7 Obtain and interpret news from a variety of media sources

2.7.8 Identify societal influences (media, pop culture, politics, religion) and how they affect perceptions, attitudes, and actions

2.7.9 Identify similarities and differences between cultures and how these affect interpersonal and social relations and adaptations

2.7 Understand aspects of society and culture 

2.8.1 Interpret information about the educational system, from early childhood to post-secondary 

2.8.2 Identify, evaluate, and access schools and other learning resources 

2.8.3 Locate and interpret information related to classes, schedules, programs, faculty, facilities, etc. 

2.8.4 Interpret policies and procedures of educational institutions regarding attendance, grades, conduct, student rights, etc. 

2.8.5 Interpret school-related forms, such as registration and application forms

2.8.6 Interpret information from schools and communicate with school personnel 

2.8.7 Interpret and access information about educational support services, such as counseling, accommodations, and financial aid

2.8.8 Interpret information related to student and school performance, and identify ways to promote change 

2.8.9 Identify ways to get involved or volunteer in an educational setting 

2.8 Understand how to access and use educational systems and services 

Community Resources