Classic & Next Gen Accuplacer - No Combined Scores for Placement

Per Dean Redmond: Students cannot mix Classic Accuplacer and Next Generation Accuplacer scores for reading and English. Students would need to have both their reading and English scores come from the same test source to count. If they only have one score from each test, they will need to retest for that particular section using Next Generation Accuplacer.  

-Example A: Classic Accuplacer: Reading 53; Next Gen Accuplacer: English 238- Student would need to retest in reading using Next Gen Accuplacer. Scores incomplete.

-Example B: Classic Accuplacer: Reading 66; Classic Accuplacer: English 88- Student can use these scores for placement.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Banner is currently programmed to not accept a mix of Classic and Next Gen Accuplacer scores.

Accuplacer Scores Below College-level in Banner

A few counselors have encountered incoming students that completed their Accuplacer at MCPS but have scores that are below College level in Banner and they’re inquiring why this is.

The reason for this is due to the Accuplacer License used at the time of testing. For example, a student may have physically completed their Accuplacer at MCPS but the MC Accuplacer license could have been used if it was Academic Initiatives providing the test.

·         When looking at the testing code/site in Banner MCPS scores received by the College are only in banner under MCPS (M) and when their license is used - only college ready scores are sent to MC/coded in Banner

·         All other Accuplacer scores in Banner are administered by the College (MC Accuplacer license codes are: RV, GT, TP or Academic Initiatives) and when the MC Accuplacer license is used all score results will show in Banner (regardless of the physical location the student completed the test). 

So it is not necessarily the physical location where the test is taken that matters, it’s the Accuplacer License that determines if only College ready or all placements will be coded in Banner.

Accuplacer Prep (formerly known as “Advancer”)

MaryMargaret.Delaney@montgomerycollege.edu is the WD&CE Counselor who is working with Accuplacer Prep (formerly, Michelle Williams).

Accuplacer Prep: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/testprep/accuplacerprep.html

Accuplacer Prep Schedule: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/testprep/accuplacerprep_schedule.html

Math ACCUPLACER/Courses & ELAP Guidelines

Students who place at the ELAR 980/AELR 930 level or have completed ELAR 970/ALER 920 can take the Math ACCUPLACER for the first time without a referral. The Assessment Center will still process any referrals from a counselor/advisors as normal, deferring to your judgement, if the student doesn't meet these guidelines.

Also, students in AELW940/ELAI990 will continue to be eligible for any Math course they test in to. 

MC Library - PrepSTEP

PrepSTEP  can be accessed through the A-Z Database link on the library website. It has many useful applications including placement test prep and college success skills. You will have to create an account to access it, but the process is very easy. 

College Board Accuplacer Study App

The official College Board Accuplacer study app is now free! Please see the link below and flyer in your mailbox.

https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/accuplacer/accuplacer-study-app-flyer.pdf

Information on Assessment and Placement of Students

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE

Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Services

January 9, 2014

MEMORANDUM

To:                   The College Community

From:               Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Senior Vice President for Student Services

Subject:           Information on Assessment and Placement of Students

In order to promote student success and retention, students need to enroll in courses for which they demonstrate the appropriate academic readiness. This memorandum is a reminder of the College’s procedures regarding assessment and placement of students, including retesting and appealing placement. Information on assessment testing may be found at http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/tertiary2.aspx?urlid=58.

Most students are placed into reading, English, and math courses based on their placement test, SAT, ACT, IB, or AP scores, or based on coursework completed at another college. In addition, most college-level courses at Montgomery College list assessment levels for reading, English, and math, as appropriate for the courses. For such courses, students must place at the designated assessment level(s) or higher in order to enroll. There is also a placement test for students who intend to take CH 101 (general chemistry). Students who have not passed CH 099A and who wish to take CH 101 should take the chemistry placement test at one of the campus assessment centers at least one day before they plan to register for CH 101. Students who have passed CH 099A (C or better) do not need to take the chemistry placement test.

New students whose first language is American English or who attended at least 10 years of school (elementary, middle, and high school) in the United States take the English, reading, and math sections of the Accuplacer. Everyone else who is required to be assessed must take the ESL Accuplacer plus writing sample.

Students who believe that their Accuplacer scores do not reflect their knowledge and skills, based on prior coursework and achievement, should be referred to a counselor or adviser to determine whether or not they meet the criteria for a retake.

If a student has taken the assessment test at a Montgomery College campus or at a high school (using the Academic Initiatives code), this counts as his or her first Accuplacer attempt. These scores will be on SOATEST in Banner with a campus or Academic Initiatives designation. Students in this category may retest at Montgomery College one time only and should not retest sooner than 24 hours after the initial test session.

When a student takes the assessment test in a high school, using the MCPS Accuplacer code, only scores that permit enrollment in college-level courses have been sent by MCPS electronically to Montgomery College and entered in Banner. Paper or informal results are not accepted. When a student who has tested at MCPS has both college-level and developmental placement scores, only the college-level scores have been sent to Montgomery College and will appear on SOATEST.

Note: All Accuplacer attempts that count towards a student’s total MC attempts will be on SOATEST.

English and reading Accuplacer scores are valid for two years. Math Accuplacer scores are valid for one year. If a student’s request for a retake is approved, the student should be encouraged to review the online information about Accuplacer Test preparation with links to review problems and test-taking tips. This may be found at http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/AssessCtr/accuplacer.htm .

Students who take the ESL Accuplacer plus writing sample may not retake the test during the current semester. However, during the first week that they are enrolled in an AELP course, students are given a diagnostic test. In some instances, based on their diagnostic test score, they may be permitted to enroll in a higher-level course.

Students who are dissatisfied with their course placements after two Accuplacer attempts may consider a review of placement, but the Accuplacer will not be given a third time.

Students who wish a review of placement in English should go to the English Department on their campus and ask to see the department chair or designee. These individuals are:

·         Germantown English

o   Dr. Christina Devlin – Office: Paul Peck Academic and Innovation Building (PK) 139

·         Rockville English

o   Professor Elizabeth Benton – Office: Macklin Tower (MT) 526

·         Takoma Park/Silver Spring English

o   Professor Angela Nissing – Office: Pavilion Three (P3) 215

Students who wish a review of placement in reading should go to the Reading Department on their campus to see the department chair, coordinator, or designee.

·         Germantown Reading

o   Dr. Mary Robinson – Office: Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HS) 130

·         Rockville Reading

o   Professor Teri Hurst – Office: MT 503

o   Dr. Mary Owens – Office: MT 512

o   Professor Susan Simpson  – Office: Science West (SW) 108-2

·         Takoma Park/Silver Spring Reading

o   Professor Windy Jefferson-Jackson – Office: P3 218

Students who wish a review of placement in math should go to the Mathematics Department on their campus to see the department chair or designee.

·         Germantown Math

o   Professor John Hamman – Office: High Technology and Science Center (HT) 133

o   Professor Kathryn Linehan – Office: HT 221

·         Rockville Math

o   Professor Susan King – Office: SW 031

o   Dr. Ben Nicholson – Office: SW 025 

o   Professor Stephanie Pepin – Office: SW 033

·         Takoma Park/Silver Spring Math

o   Dr. Sharon Hauge – Office: Mathematics Pavilion (MP) 247

Students who wish a review of placement in chemistry should go to the Chemistry Department on their campus to see the department chair or designee.

·         Germantown Chemistry

o   Dr. Don Newlin – Office: Sciences and Applied Studies Building (SA) 265

·         Rockville Chemistry

o   Professor Abner Mintz – Office: Science Center (SC) 331D

·         Takoma Park/Silver Spring Math

o   Dr. Adel Halli – Office: Science North (SN) 316

Students who wish a review of placement in AELP should go to the Department where AELP is located on their campus to see the department chair, coordinator, or designee.

·         Germantown AELP

o   Professor Page Whittenburg – Office: HS 106

·         Rockville AELP

o   Professor Ray Gonzales – Office: MT 512A

·         Takoma Park/Silver Spring AELP

o   Professor Angela Nissing – Office: P3 12

If the department designee determines, by using relevant information, that the student should be placed in a course other than one based on the Accuplacer score, this action must be entered in Banner as an override in the SFASRPO screen with a brief comment on the rationale for the override in the comment screen, SPACMNT.

**Updated contact information:

Windy Jefferson Jackson is NOT the Reading Coordinator—that is Dr. Deborah Sewell, P4, 203A, x 73946; The chair of English IS Angela Nissing, but her location is P4, 110, x 71661, the AELP Coordinator is Heather Satrom, P4, 201D, x73990

Information on Assessment and Placement of Students

In order to promote student success and retention, students need to enroll in courses for which they demonstrate the appropriate academic readiness. This memorandum is a reminder of the College’s procedures regarding assessment and placement of students, including retesting and appealing placement. Information on assessment testing may be found at http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/tertiary2.aspx?urlid=58.
Most students are placed into reading, English, and math courses based on their placement test scores, SAT, ACT, IB, or AP scores, or based on coursework completed at another college. In addition, most college-level courses at Montgomery College list assessment levels for reading, English, and math as appropriate for the courses. For such courses, students must place at the designated assessment level(s) or higher in order to enroll. There is also a placement test for students who intend to take CH 101 (general chemistry). Students who have not passed CH 099A and who wish to take CH 101 should take the chemistry placement test at one of the campus assessment centers at least one day before they plan to register for CH 101. Students who have passed CH 099A (C or better) do not need to take the chemistry placement test.
New students whose first language is American English or who attended at least 10 years of school (elementary, middle, and high school) in the United States take the English, reading, and math sections of the Accuplacer. Everyone else who is required to be assessed must take the ESL Accuplacer, plus writing sample.
Students who believe that their Accuplacer scores do not reflect their knowledge and skills, based on prior coursework and achievement, should be referred to a counselor or advisor to determine whether or not they meet the criteria for a retake.
If a student has taken the assessment test at a Montgomery College campus or at a high school (using the Academic Initiatives code), this counts as his or her first Accuplacer attempt. These scores will be on SOATEST in Banner with a campus or Academic Initiatives designation. Students in this category may retest at Montgomery College one time only and should not retest sooner than 24 hours after the initial test session.
When a student takes the assessment test in a high school, using the MCPS Accuplacer code, only scores that permit enrollment in college-level courses have been sent by MCPS electronically to Montgomery College and entered in Banner. Paper or informal results are not accepted. When a student who has tested at MCPS has both college-level and developmental placement scores, only the college-level scores have been sent to Montgomery College and will appear on SOATEST.
Note: All Accuplacer attempts that count towards a student’s total MC attempts will be on SOATEST.
English and reading Accuplacer scores are valid for two years. Math Accuplacer scores are valid for one year. If a student’s request for a retake is approved, the student should be encouraged to review the online information about Accuplacer Test preparation with links to review problems and test-taking tips. This may be found at http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/AssessCtr/accuplacer.htm .
Students who take the ESL Accuplacer, plus writing sample, may not retake the test during the current semester. However, during the first week that they are enrolled in an AELP course, students are given a diagnostic test. In some instances, based on their diagnostic test score, they may be permitted to enroll in a higher-level course.
Student who are dissatisfied with their course placements after two Accuplacer attempts may consider an appeal, but the Accuplacer will not be given a third time.

Students who wish to appeal their placement in English should go to the English Department on their campus and ask to see the department chair or designee. These individuals are:

• Germantown English:  Dr. Christina Devlin – Office: Paul Peck Academic and Innovation Building (PK) 139
• Rockville English:  Professor Elizabeth Benton – Office: Macklin Tower (MT) 526
• Takoma Park/Silver Spring English: Professor Angela Nissing – Office: Pavilion Three (P3) 215

Students who wish to appeal their placement in reading should go to the Reading Department on their campus to see the department chair, coordinator, or designee.

• Germantown Reading Dr. Mary Robinson – Office: Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HS) 130
• Rockville Reading Professor Susan Simpson – Office: Science West (SW) 108-2/Professor Teri Hurst – Office: MT 503/Dr. Mary Owens – Office: MT 512
• Takoma Park/Silver Spring Reading Professor Windy Jefferson-Jackson – Office: P3 218

Students who wish to appeal their placement in math should go to the Mathematics Department on their campus to see the department chair or designee.

• Germantown Math Professor John Hamman – Office: High Technology and Science Center (HT) 133/ Professor Kathryn Linehan – Office: HT 221
• Rockville Math  Professor Stephanie Pepin – Office: SW 033/ Dr. Ben Nicholson – Office: SW 025 /Professor Susan King – Office: SW 031
• Takoma Park/Silver Spring Math - Dr. Sharon Hauge – Office: Mathematics Pavilion (MP) 247

Students who wish to appeal their placement in chemistry should go to the Chemistry Department on their campus to see the department chair or designee.

• Germantown Chemistry Dr. Don Newlin – Office: Sciences and Applied Studies Building (SA) 265
• Rockville Chemistry Professor Abner Mintz – Office: Science Center (SC) 331D
• Takoma Park/Silver Spring Math Dr. Adel Halli – Office: Science North (SN) 316

Students who wish to appeal their placement in AELP should go to the Department where AELP is located on their campus to see the department chair, coordinator, or designee.

• Germantown AELP Professor Page Whittenburg – Office: HS 106
• Rockville AELP Professor Ray Gonzales – Office: MT 512A
• Takoma Park/Silver Spring AELP Professor Angela Nissing – Office: P3 12

If the department designee determines, by using relevant information, that the student should be placed in a course other than one based on the Accuplacer score, this action must be entered in Banner as an override in the SFASRPO screen with a brief comment on the rationale for the override in the comment screen, SPACMNT.

Contact Information for Assessment & Placement Appeals

(Information from MC Communications from Dr. Walker-Griffea on June 3, 2013)
 

Students who are dissatisfied with their course placements after two Accuplacer attempts may consider an appeal, but the Accuplacer will not be given a third time.

Students who wish to appeal their placement in English should go to the English Department on their campus and ask to see the department chair or designee. These individuals are:

·         Germantown English:

o   Professor Tammy Peery – Office: Paul Peck Academic and Innovation Building (PK) 124

·         Rockville English:

o   Professor Elizabeth Benton – Office: Macklin Tower (MT) 526

·         Takoma Park/Silver Spring English:

o   Professor Robert Giron – Office: Pavilion Three (P3) 215

Students who wish to appeal their placement in reading should go to the Reading Department on their campus to see the department chair, coordinator, or designee.

·         Germantown Reading

o   Dr. Mary Robinson – Office: Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HS) 130

·         Rockville Reading

o   Professor Susan Simpson – Office: Science West (SW) 108-2

o   Professor Teri Hurst – Office: MT 503

o   Dr. Mary Owens – Office: MT 512

·         Takoma Park/Silver Spring Reading

o   Professor Windy Jefferson-Jackson – Office: P3 218

Students who wish to appeal their placement in math should go to the Mathematics Department on their campus to see the department chair or designee.

·         Germantown Math

o   Professor John Hamman – Office: High Technology and Science Center (HT) 133

o   Professor Kathryn Linehan – Office: HT 221

·         Rockville Math

o   Professor Stephanie Pepin – Office: SW 033

o   Professor Luc Desir – Office: SW 024

o   Professor Susan King – Office: SW 031

·         Takoma Park/Silver Spring Math

o   Dr. Sharon Hauge – Office: Mathematics Pavilion (MP) 247

Students who wish to appeal their placement in chemistry should go to the Chemistry Department on their campus to see the department chair or designee.

·         Germantown Chemistry

o   Dr. Don Newlin – Office: Sciences and Applied Studies Building (SA) 265

·         Rockville Chemistry

o   Professor Abner Mintz – Office: Science Center (SC) 331D

·         Takoma Park/Silver Spring Math

o   Dr. Adel Halli – Office: Science North (SN) 316

Students who wish to appeal their placement in AELP should go to the Department where AELP is located on their campus to see the department chair, coordinator, or designee.

·         Germantown AELP

o   Professor Page Whittenburg – Office: HS 106

·         Rockville AELP

o   Professor Ray Gonzales – Office: MT 512A

·         Takoma Park/Silver Spring AELP

o   Professor Angela Nissing – Office: P3 12

If the department designee determines, by using relevant information, that the student should be placed in a course other than one based on the Accuplacer score, this action must be entered in Banner as an override in the SFASRPO screen with a brief comment on the rationale for the override in the comment screen, SPACMNT.

Additional Information on assessment testing may be found at: 
http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/tertiary2.aspx?urlid=58

Senior Testing in the High Schools - Summer 2012

As an FYI, The High School Accuplacer Program for graduating seniors has begun in 15 high schools. Eligible students may take the test (through the Academic Initiatives site) at their school. Once they test, they are then referred to a MAP session as their next step.

This is for first time test takers only, who are scheduled to take the Accuplacer exam. Those students who have already tested all parts of the Accuplacer OR are assigned the ESL Accuplacer are referred directly to a counselor/MAP session and are not eligible to test in the schools.
Additionally, per the MOU, MCPS has submitted college ready test scores from students who tested through their site license. If only parts of the test show in banner then that means that the student did not test college ready in the area missing. Also, if a student stated they tested between October and March then they more than likely took the test through MCPS. If partial or no scores are in the system than that means they did not test college ready in that section and must take the test at MC.

Here are the list of schools that participate.
BCC High School - FY 13
Blake - FY 13
Damascus High School - FY 13
Einstein High School - FY 13
Gaithersburg High School - FY 13
Kennedy High School - FY 13
Northwest - FY 13
Northwood High School - FY 13
Paint Branch High School - FY 13
Quince Orchard - FY 13
Richard Montgomery - FY 13
Rockville High School - FY 13
Seneca Valley High School - FY 13
Springbrook High School FY13
Watkins Mills - FY 13
Wheaton - FY 13
------------------------------------------
Mr. Akima H. Rogers Program Manager
Office of Concurrent Enrollment Programs
240.567.4140 phone
http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/cep

Easy to Remember: montgomerycollege.edu/accuplacerprep

There are various web addresses floating around for the MC Accuplacer Preparation pages - all of them too long!  You can find them in one spot now, montgomerycollege.edu/accuplacerprep  Encourage students to study for the Accuplacer using our one-stop site for links to online sample tests.

Accuplacer Math Preparation

Direct students to the following website for Accuplacer math prep:
www.montgomerycollege.edu/accuplacerprep
www.montgomerycollege.edu/prealgebra
www.montgomerycollege.edu/algebra
www.montgomerycollege.edu/algebra2
www.montgomerycollege.edu/trigonometry

Assessment Test & Third+ Attempts

Regarding third attempts, based on the College’s policy, there are no third or subsequent attempts unless a student’s scores are “invalid”. As we know, scores are invalid when a student has been separated (i.e., have not taken any courses) a minimum of two (2) years for English and Reading scores and a minimum of one (1) year for the Math score(s). Therefore, for example, a student that took the test twice previously, but took no courses and is returning to MC after three years would be allowed to attempt the test a third time. We would use the Retest Authorization form as normal, checking the appropriate reason for the retest. Basically, under this policy third and subsequent attempts aren’t granted for students who want retest over and over again within a short amount of time. Of course we will get students and/or parents or guardians that might want to press the issue and they should be referred to the appropriate academic department.

Accuplacer Sample Links

www.scf.edu/StudentServices/AcademicResourceCenter/AccessToSuccess/StudentSuccessResources/PracticePLacementTests/default.asp

http://www.seminolestate.edu/testing/cpt/cpt_practice.php

Accuplacer Password Change

Accuplacer Scores from Other Schools

The Registrar will accept Accuplacer scores from other institutions. However, ARR needs students to bring official scores to the admissions counter to be entered into Banner.