COLLEGE READINESS FORUM

Presenters:
Conrad Perez-Math Faculty
John Heathcote- Math Faculty
Ryen Hirata-Outreach & Matriculation Coordinator


PURPOSE
 Modify Current Self-Selection Method
 Modify Current Accuplacer Cut Scores
MODIFICATIONS
 Math Pre-Test
 New Accuplacer Test Descriptions
 New Accuplacer Cut Scores


In an effort to address high school recommendations
and Reedley College Math faculty concerns
regarding the Math placement test, a working group
was created. The working group included faculty
from the Math department, Outreach and
Matriculation, and Testing Services. The group
reviewed the entire math placement test process
and identified two main areas of concern: 


The method by which students self-select can be
inefficient.



Placement Cut Scores need to be reviewed/modified.

Test
Score/
Placement

Arithmetic

Elementary Algebra

College Level Math

20-0 => Math 260

49-0 => Math 201

(Arithmetic Review)

(Elementary Algebra)

<40-Take El. Alg. Test or
See a counselor

39-21 => Math 250

57-50 => Math 103

62-40 => Math 103

(College Arithmetic)

(Intermediate Algebra)

(Intermediate Algebra)

120-58 => Transfer Level

120-63 => Transfer Level

54-40 => Math 201*
(Elementary Algebra)

120-55 => Math 201
(Elementary Algebra)

*With Counselor Approval


To address these concerns, the working group
concluded three improvements would be made
and piloted starting Spring 2012. The three
improvements are:


Design a Reedley College Math Pre-Test for high
school implementation to provide students a
clear recommendation on the appropriate
Reedley College Accuplacer Math test to select.



Modify the Accuplacer Math test descriptions on
the background questions page where students
are asked to self-select the appropriate math
test.



Modify Math Placement Test cut scores.




The Math Pre-Test has four tests. Each test
includes 12-14 questions and must be completed
within a designated time (12-18 minutes each).



The approximate time to complete all sections is
60 minutes if a student takes all four tests (see
Test Sequencing below).



Students can only take the Pre-Test one time.



Once a student has completed a test, the student
can stop and restart by using the same username
and password. The entire test can be broken up
into manageable parts.











Designed by RC Math Faculty and aligned with RC
courses, SLOs, and general curriculum. (See Math PreTest Content Chart).
Test Sequencing: Unlike Accuplacer, the Math Pre-Test
starts all students at the arithmetic-level test. If a
student correctly answers 70% of the questions on a
test, that student proceeds to the next test.
Real time immediate scoring: Students see their test
scores and question results immediately after
completing the test.
The Pre-test will provide a clear recommendation on
which Accuplacer placement math test to take.
Other benefits: “Study Plan Manager”; provides an
additional measure for appropriate placement; improves
awareness of college expectations for math competency.

The Pre-test will provide a clear recommendation on
which Accuplacer placement math test to take
REEDLEY COLLEGE MATH PRE-TEST OUTCOME CHART
Test

Outcome & Accuplacer Test Recommendation
PASS

FAIL

1

Move on to Test 2

Take Arith. Accuplacer Test

2

Move on to Test 3

Take Arith. Accuplacer Test

3

Move on to Test 4

Take Algebra Accuplacer Test

4

Take College Level Math Accuplacer Test Take Algebra Accuplacer Test


Which Math Test would you like to take? You must select one.
(If you took the Reedley College Pre-Test, select the test recommended)

◦ Arithmetic - Take this test if your highest level of math
completed with an A or B is Arithmetic or Pre-Algebra. This
test will include Arithmetic and some Pre-Algebra topics.
◦ Elementary Algebra - Take this test if your highest level of
math completed with an A or B is Beginning Algebra. This
test will include Pre-Algebra and Elementary Algebra topics.
◦ College Level Math - Take this test if your highest level of
math completed with an A or B is Intermediate Algebra or
higher. This test will include Intermediate Algebra,
Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus topics.


Test

Arithmetic

Elementary Algebra

Score/
Placement

0-30 => Math 260

0-30 => Math 250

College Level Math
0-30 => Math 201

(Arithmetic Review)

(College Arithmetic)

(Elementary Algebra)

31-70 => Math 250

31-70 => Math 201

31-50 => Math 103

(College Arithmetic)

(Elementary Algebra)

(Intermediate Algebra)

71-120 => Math 256 71-120 = > Math 103
(Topics before Algebra)

(Intermediate Algebra)

51-120 => Transfer Level



High Schools implement the Math Pre-Test prior to the
Accuplacer Placement Test.



Reedley College will use the Math Pre-Test and Accuplacer
scores to provide a stronger assessment of students math
skills.



Continue discussion and collaboration to improve student
performance in Math to meet College Level Math
requirements and increase student success.