Kuder Announces Bold Change: Shortens assessments, improves reliability

ADEL, Iowa, Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kuder, Inc. (Kuder), a global leader in college and career planning, released enhancements to their Kuder^® Career Planning System over the summer that are among the most notable changes in the history of the company. Kuder's three assessments that identify career interests, skills and work values, are now shorter by almost half, and more efficient, reliable, valid, and bias-free. On average, all three assessments can now be completed in 20 minutes or less.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120118/CG37579LOGO)

"Kuder recognizes the time constraints students face in schools and adults in workforce centers. In the interest of conserving time without compromising reliability and validity, the revised assessments are anchored to a sound theoretical base with fewer items," said JoAnn Harris-Bowlsbey, Ed.D., Executive Vice President of Development at Kuder.

Kuder's research faculty of world-renowned experts specializing in educational assessment and evaluation, not only developed shorter assessments, but improved the reliability and validity by applying new knowledge and skills.

"We're fortunate to have the best faculty in the world on our team. We asked them for a miracle –shorten the assessments and improve reliability – and like always, they delivered. For nearly 75 years, Kuder has offered the best in evidence-based career guidance, and that tradition continues," said Kuder President Phil Harrington.

In addition to shortening the three assessments, (Kuder^® Career Interests Assessment (KCIA), Kuder^® Skills Confidence Assessment (KSCA), Kuder^® Work Values Assessment (KWVA)), the reports that are provided to users and counselors/administrators include Holland's well-researched six-cluster model. Now, reports can either be generated based on the six Holland clusters or the 16 National career clusters.

"Kuder's enhanced assessments are great for a number of reasons. They have improved the look of the assessments, making them user friendly, and the number of questions have been reduced which allows the students more time to engage in career exploration. The plus side is that all of this can be done in one classroom setting," said Katiah Brown, Student Outreach Counselor for Edsouth. 

About Kuder, Inc.: Kuder, Inc. (Kuder) was founded in 1997 with a mission to raise student aspirations and to provide career options to students and adults through self-assessment and education. Kuder offers customized, innovative, online solutions for career planners at all life stages across the world. For more information, visit www.kuder.com or call 800.314.8972.

SOURCE Kuder, Inc.