Presents results from a national survey of two-year colleges regarding placement practices for calculus. High school records were the most important factor, followed by placement test results and college entrance examination scores. (DMM)

To deal with an increasing student withdrawal rate from courses, Fullerton College instituted a Skills Prerequisite System, involving mandatory assessment of learning skills in reading, writing, and mathematics followed by prescriptive mandatory placement in appropriate remedial instruction prior to ernollment in skill-dependent, entry-level…

Describes a study conducted at DeKalb Community College to compare placement levels established by the college's in-house Reading, English and Mathematics (REM) Test with Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. Discusses REM placement levels and their course alignments, internal challenges to the placement levels, and correlation study findings. (DMM)

Eight placement systems currently used in selected California community colleges are described in this paper. Following introductory comments on the variety and complexity of placement systems used in community colleges, issues related to English placement examinations are highlighted. Next, the eight placement models are described, focusing, with…

This chronological review of research and educational literature traces the growth in the use of standardized and locally developed assessment instruments in community colleges over the past decade. The literature review covers the following aspects of the issue of student assessment: (1) studies from the early 1970's showing a negative attitude…

Reviews research on student assessment and placement, focusing on problems and questions; methods of assessment; establishing cut scores; and evaluation of course placement systems. Includes an extensive bibliography. (LAL)

Analyzes Hughes and Nelson's study of placement testing at Riverside Community College and offers an alternative method of evaluating placement systems using logistic regression. Reanalyzes data from an ASSET placement test validity study using logistic regression. (DMM)

In fall 1987, a study was conducted at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) to examine the college's system of basic skills assessment for course placement. The study investigated the adequacy of established cut scores; placement evasion (i.e., the disregarding of a recommendation to take a developmental course) and its consequences; the use of…

Reviews the policies of the Grossmont Community College District regarding basic skills testing and improvement and the programs that have been proposed or implemented in response to the policies (e.g., assessment/placement, student information, program referral, research follow-up, and learning assessment centers). (DMM)

Describes a state survey conducted to assess the effectiveness of postsecondary remedial education programs in Texas. Reviews current practices and offers recommendations with respect to student assessment and placement, remedial course offerings, program evaluation, and curricular coordination. (DMM)

A project was undertaken in the San Diego Community College District to develop a consistent districtwide placement testing program using the same test instruments and uniform cut-off scores for placement in English and mathematics courses. As part of the project, a study was conducted to correlate English placement test scores and grades for all…

Examines the following aspects of the relationship between assessment and student success: the developing relationship between assessment and instruction; a model comprehensive assessment and placement delivery system; a critical path for assessment and placement; campus studies; and student flow from assessment through instruction. (DMM)

Discusses considerations in developing assessment and placement programs: which students should be tested, why admission tests and high school grades are inappropriate for placement, how testing should be carried out, which tests should be used, and how tests should be interpreted. (DMM)

Advocates the testing and placement of incoming college students, arguing that students need access to information on their personal attributes and institutional options. Identifies criteria to be considered in selecting placement tests and making placement decisions. Offers suggestions for creating a systematic placement process. (DMM)

In 1990, Massachusetts Bay Community College (MBCC) collaborated with six other Massachusetts colleges to assist them in using MBCC's assessment program as a model to supplement or replace their existing assessment strategies. At each associate college, campus coordinators were selected and assessment task forces were formed to identify assessment…