NDSCS College Catalog |
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| Assessment and Course Placement |
| Assessment of student academic achievement is an accreditation requirement of the Higher Learning Commission. Student learning outcomes have been established for general education and for each program of study. They reflect what the student should know, think or be able to do at the successful conclusion of the program of study. |
| Data is collected for each outcome and is analyzed by faculty to determine to what extent each outcome is being achieved. The goal is to continuously improve student academic achievement. Data leads to logical changes in courses, curriculum or equipment, and professional development opportunities for faculty. Assessment data will assist in determining the extent to which students are attaining the technical, transfer and general education objectives throughout the curriculum, as well as success in utilizing those skills after graduation. |
| Advisory committees assist departments in keeping their plans of study current by identifying skills students will need to be successfully employed and to stay current in their field. It is the intent of NDSCS that all students will participate in planned assessment activities appropriate to their programs of study. |
| Student success is tracked from entry to exit, from the time a student enrolls until he or she graduates and obtains employment or transfers to another college or university. Baseline scores in reading, writing and mathematics have been determined. Guidelines are based on ACT scores, and if further testing is indicated, the second testing is used in conjunction with ACT scores to provide placement guidelines. |
| Placement of students in courses that most closely match their abilities results in a greater likelihood that these students will be successful in pursuing and completing their programs. Beginning in the fall semester 2004, students have been required to follow English and math placement recommendations based on standardized test scores. |
| Students who score within five points of the COMPASS cut scores may challenge the placement by taking their request to their respective academic counselor. Any student may retake the COMPASS for a $15 fee. It is highly recommended students wait three weeks from the original testing date to allow time to improve their skills. Students will follow the course placement policy. |
| English Placement |
| Guidelines for English placement are based on the following scores: |
| • Students scoring 18 or above on the ACT English and reading section will be placed in the appropriate English course based on their course of study and established criteria. |
| • Students scoring 17 or below on the ACT English and reading section will take the COMPASS reading and writing assessment. The results of this test in combination with ACT English and reading scores will assist the advisor in determining appropriate course placement. |
| Mathematics Placement |
| Guidelines for mathematics placement are based on the following scores: |
| • Students scoring 20 or above in the mathematics component of the ACT score will be placed in the mathematics course appropriate to their course of study and established criteria. |
| • Students scoring 19 or below in the mathematics component of the ACT score will take the COMPASS mathematics assessment test to determine the appropriate course placement. |
| • The results of the COMPASS test in combination with the ACT mathematics score and high school mathematics background will assist the advisor in determining appropriate course placement. Based on the above scores, students will register for the appropriate course. |
| Any student not satisfied with his or her recommended placement may re-take the reading, writing or math assessment test after a three-week interval. |
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