Achievement Tests v. Placement TestsCynthia Grua, Academic Affairs, Office of the CommissionerDiana Harvey, Director, Testing Services, SLCC

What is a college entrance exam an achievement test?Designed to measure knowledge and skills generally acquired in the classroom.Predicts future performance based on past performance.Ex: College Entrance Exams (ACT & SAT).

What is a placement test?Designed to measure, in depth, knowledge and skills in a specific subject area.Matches desired learning outcomes in a specific class with skill level.Ex: College Board’s Accuplacer.

Placement Test Misconception #1 You can use an achievement test score to place students. Actually… The correlation between test score and subsequent success in the class are not as high as when placed with a placement test.

Aligning Skills & Outcomes

Placement Test Misconception #2 If the placement test score puts me in MATH 0900, I am just not college material. Actually… You are in the majority if you place in a developmental class. You need instruction in a specific subject. There are campus resources to help you succeed.

What is a cut score?Placement test score that predicts success at “C” or better for a specific classScore is based on research on past student performance

Cut Score Sample 2008 Placement in Writing Classes/SLCC

Cut Score ValidationCollege Board conducts validation studies. SLCC study shows 86% students correctly placed in WRTG 0900 based on SLCC cut score.

Why Accuplacer?As of FY09, all USHE institutions are administering College Board Accuplacer. Easiest to administer.Adaptive technology ensures best results.Bonus: students can take a placement test at any USHE school and “transfer” the score to another school.

Advice?Take the placement test early.Listen to what the advisor tells you about the test results and the placement advice.Accept that no matter how you place, you can succeed in college.

Comments & QuestionsCynthia GruaUtah System of Higher Education801-755-4463cgrua@utahsbr.eduDiana HarveySalt Lake Community College801-957-4278diana.harvey@slcc.edu