Resource+-+Placement+Cut+Score+Comparison

Thank you to all who sent me your data and to Susan Kidd for sending the chart from LCC which was compiled in 2008. I have collated it all into one chart, and four graphs, which I have attached to this email. (NOTE: inserted below. NL) The only constant I can see is that there is no constant. Not all schools use the COMPASS to place students. Of those that do, some do not use all of the tests. There were a few who seemed to place students into Dev Ed regardless of how low their COMPASS score was. When we consider just the COMPASS cut off scores when COMPASS tests the variability is astounding. Reading: 46 points from lowest to highest (19-65) Writing: 75 points from lowest to highest ( 5-80) Math: 40 points from lowest to highest (15-55) Even WVC’s scores, which I thought were too low, are really middle of the pack. If a score of 54 on the Reading test is comparable to CASAS ABE Level 3, in what college level class would a student who had a COMPASS Reading score of 20 be placed? I don’t know how other schools set their cutoff points, but here, based on what I have been able to find out, it is up to the various departments and there doesn’t seem to be a consistent rationale between, or within, the departments on how they are set. The implications of this data are tremendous as it regards ABS enrollment, student retention and success in DE classes, duplication of effort, and the consuming of financial aid resources to name just a few. I know Carmen Cropi, among others, is participating in a national CASAS transition research project to determine correlations between CASAS scores and common college placement tests such as COMPASS and ACCUPLACER. There probably would be value in such a project in this state with a view towards establishing some consistency in how cutoff points are set based on a consideration for accurately placing students in programs and classes that will facilitate their best chance of progress, success, and efficient use of their financial resources. Some of you asked for this information. I hope you all find it of some value. If data for your school is not included or is incorrect please feel free to send it to me and I will update the chart. Have a great day. Larry D. Ruddell, M.Ed. Director of Adult Basic Skills Wenatchee Valley College 1300 Fifth Street Wenatchee, WA 98801 509.682.6795 (Office) lruddell@wvc.edu [|www.wvc.edu lruddell@wvc.edu [|www.wvc.edu<http://www.wvc.edu/]