Presenters: Conrad Perez-Math Faculty John Heathcote- Math FacultyRyen Hirata-Outreach & Matriculation Coordinator

PURPOSE Modify Current Self-Selection Method Modify Current Accuplacer Cut Scores

MODIFICATIONS Math Pre-Test New Accuplacer Test Descriptions New Accuplacer Cut Scores

In an effort to address high school recommendations and Reedley College Math faculty concerns regarding the Math placement test, a working group was created. The working group included faculty from the Math department, Outreach and Matriculation, and Testing Services. The group reviewed the entire math placement test process and identified two main areas of concern: 

The method by which students self-select can be inefficient.

Placement Cut Scores need to be reviewed/modified.

Test Arithmetic Elementary Algebra College Level Math

Score/ Placement 20-0 => Math 260

(Arithmetic Review)

49-0 => Math 201 (Elementary Algebra)

<40-Take El. Alg. Test or See a counselor

39-21 => Math 250 (College Arithmetic)

57-50 => Math 103 (Intermediate Algebra)

62-40 => Math 103 (Intermediate Algebra)

54-40 => Math 201* (Elementary Algebra)

120-58 => Transfer Level 120-63 => Transfer Level

120-55 => Math 201 (Elementary Algebra)

*With Counselor Approval

To address these concerns, the working group concluded three improvements would be made and piloted starting Spring 2012. The three improvements are:

Design a Reedley College Math Pre-Test for high school implementation to provide students a clear recommendation on the appropriate Reedley College Accuplacer Math test to select.

Modify the Accuplacer Math test descriptions on the background questions page where students are asked to self-select the appropriate math test.

Modify Math Placement Test cut scores.

The Math Pre-Test has four tests. Each test includes 12-14 questions and must be completed within a designated time (12-18 minutes each).

The approximate time to complete all sections is 60 minutes if a student takes all four tests (see Test Sequencing below).

Students can only take the Pre-Test one time. Once a student has completed a test, the student

can stop and restart by using the same username and password. The entire test can be broken up into manageable parts.

Designed by RC Math Faculty and aligned with RC courses, SLOs, and general curriculum. (See Math Pre-Test Content Chart).

Test Sequencing: Unlike Accuplacer, the Math Pre-Test starts all students at the arithmetic-level test. If a student correctly answers 70% of the questions on a test, that student proceeds to the next test.

Real time immediate scoring: Students see their test scores and question results immediately after completing the test.

The Pre-test will provide a clear recommendation on which Accuplacer placement math test to take.

Other benefits: “Study Plan Manager”; provides an additional measure for appropriate placement; improves awareness of college expectations for math competency.

REEDLEY COLLEGE MATH PRE-TEST OUTCOME CHART

Test Outcome & Accuplacer Test Recommendation

PASS FAIL

1 Move on to Test 2 Take Arith. Accuplacer Test

2 Move on to Test 3 Take Arith. Accuplacer Test

3 Move on to Test 4 Take Algebra Accuplacer Test

4 Take College Level Math Accuplacer Test

Take Algebra Accuplacer Test

The Pre-test will provide a clear recommendation on which Accuplacer placement math test to take

Which Math Test would you like to take? You must select one.(If you took the Reedley College Pre-Test, select the test recommended)

◦ Arithmetic - Take this test if your highest level of math completed with an A or B is Arithmetic or Pre-Algebra. This test will include Arithmetic and some Pre-Algebra topics.

◦ Elementary Algebra - Take this test if your highest level of math completed with an A or B is Beginning Algebra. This test will include Pre-Algebra and Elementary Algebra topics.

◦ College Level Math - Take this test if your highest level of math completed with an A or B is Intermediate Algebra or higher. This test will include Intermediate Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus topics.

Test Arithmetic Elementary Algebra College Level Math

Score/Placement

0-30 => Math 260(Arithmetic Review)

0-30 => Math 250 (College Arithmetic)

0-30 => Math 201 (Elementary Algebra)

31-70 => Math 250 (College Arithmetic)

31-70 => Math 201 (Elementary Algebra)

31-50 => Math 103 (Intermediate Algebra)

71-120 => Math 256 (Topics before Algebra)

71-120 = > Math 103 (Intermediate Algebra)

51-120 => Transfer Level

High Schools implement the Math Pre-Test prior to the Accuplacer Placement Test.

Reedley College will use the Math Pre-Test and Accuplacer scores to provide a stronger assessment of students math skills.

Continue discussion and collaboration to improve student performance in Math to meet College Level Math requirements and increase student success.