It’s More Than Just Assessment

Working towards and educational and equitable placement process

Tania Lopez and Shannon Waits

Welcome!

What is your position at Highline and when do you communicate about placement with students?

It is more than just “Placement”

60-70% of students are placed into developmental math, reading, or English The majority leave before ever attempting college-level

courses How does this contribute 27.9% graduation rate

Large Equity GapsDisproportionate number of students of color in

remediation, especially the lowest levelsTests underestimate the capability of students of

color, women, first generation students, and low SES

More impact on students…

A single-predictive score exaggerates the difference between “college ready” and “developmental,” when in fact it is not that binary.

One in every 3 students assigned to English and 1 in every 4 students assigned to mathematics were severely misplaced.

Conversations about placement

Welcome student to Highline! They belong here! Determine what their education and career goals are Determine what, if any, math course is needed for that degree

Use Videos

Ask student about their experience with math and determine which placement option is best for them

If student must take MMT, explain importance of getting into right class

Show test topic sheet

Ask what they remember of the listed skills

Encourage Practice test+Brush-up+Final Assessment

Resources for students who must take placement TEST

Take a practice test at the PTC (only necessary for math) Get access to personalized study plan

Brush-up skills Face to face

Online

MRC

ESL/Reading options

Retake MMT for final placement

Questions?

THANK YOU!