3 minute read
Assessment test shows lower scores
Entry level college students now entering school below basic skill levels
Kevin Reynolds / Roundup
Assessment test results for student English and math placement levels are lower than expected for high school graduates.
High schools students entering community colleges are expected to test into English 101 and Math 120/125.
But the average placement levels for students who have taken the assessment exam are under the expected placement levels.
“I believe it’s a reflection on the LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District) from K through 12,” said Matriculation Director Miran Prochter.
“I see that students who go to private schools seem to perform better.”
One of the issues is the possible lowering of scores needed to pass the high school exit exam.
Those allegations are denied by the LAUSD, however.
“The passing scores haven’t changed,” said Jim Overturf, test operations manager. “The whole thing is scanned and scored as one and the questions change every year.”
The assessment tests offered at Pierce College are optional. Students can choose to begin at the lowest levels and work up without taking the tests.
However, for students who wish to graduate or transfer quicker the tests are available. Students can start at higher levels of math or English depending on how they score on the tests.
But even those students taking the exams still have to start at lower levels, according to data compiled by the Pierce College Assessment Center.
“There is a big disconnect between what is going on in the high schools and the colleges,” said Dean of Student Services Phyllis Braxton. “Only 13 percent of our students are placing in English 101.”
Not all students taking the assessment tests are just out of high school; there are also students who are returning after a long reprieve.
“Because we are a community college we have to take everyone that comes to our door,” said Braxton. “All we can do is try to provide classes for the students coming in.”
Over the last several years there has been an increase in students taking the assessment tests, according to Braxton.
Assessment tests are provided by each college. They are not standardized.
Moorpark College doesn’t offer assessment tests, students are allowed to take the classes they believe they are capable of passing.
“The self-placement doesn’t really help the students,” said Prochter. “Students are more likely to take classes they aren’t ready for and not pass.”
Some students who place in the lower levels try to bypass the system by taking English or math classes during winter and summer sessions.
Some of the professors are more lenient during the short semesters since students are supposed to cover so much so quickly, according to Christopher Tyson, a 23-year-old music major.
“We always told students not to attempt English or math courses during winter or summer unless you are a wiz at it,” said Prochter. “We traditionally see more D’s and F’s during winter and summer courses.”
Assessment tests are offered all semester long and students can retest once each year if they place low the first time, said Prochter.
The number one comment to come from students who do poorly on the assessment exams is that they either didn’t take it seriously or they went out partying the night before, said Prochter.
“Take it [the test] seriously,” said Prochter.
