College Placement Exams: Problems And Solutions

Bruce Vandal’s commentary, published in Good Magazine, describes
the shortcomings of college placement testing policies and practices that
direct thousands of students into remedial education. Vandal suggests options
for improving assessments and low-cost, reasonable fixes to help avoid faulty
placement in remedial courses that can deter students’ success in earning a
certificate or degree.

One comment on “College Placement Exams: Problems And Solutions”

  1. The shortcomings of college placement testing policies and practices that direct thousands of students into remedial education. This was an interesting look at college placement tests and the possible effects that it may have on student persistence.

    At my university we use a college entrance examination on all students and it has helped us is appreciating an applicant’s ability to cope with the course level.

    We have a 2+ 2 system and also offer certificate programs. Interestingly some students take the entrance and believe they are at an associate degree level when in fact they score in a pre-college or a certificate range. Having shared this I also see the disappointment in some students when they are told the need to register for pre-college courses. Sometime reluctantly they enroll, but I believe they see they eventually see the benefit.


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