Cut scores for transfer-level mathematics placement vary considerably across California community colleges, sending mixed signals about college readiness¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · qualitative r2 · q2
Currency · newest study 2010 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i? Cut scores to place into transfer-level mathematics ranged from 43 to 63 on the ACCUPLACER College Level Mathematics exam, and some students received different placements at two colleges based on the same scores. → Venezia 2010

Evidence¶

Venezia 2010¶

Venezia, A., Bracco, K. R., & Nodine, T. (2010). One-shot deal? Students' perceptions of assessment and course placement in California's community colleges. San Francisco: WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED566386

q2 · i? · qualitative · r2

The report's findings on system practices state that "cut scores to place into transfer-level mathematics courses ranged from 43 to 63 on the ACCUPLACER College Level Mathematics exam." Some interviewed students had received different placements at two different colleges based on the same test scores. The authors call for more research on the rationale for and implications of cut score variation.

"in mathematics, cut scores to place into transfer-level mathematics courses ranged from 43 to 63 on the ACCUPLACER College Level Mathematics exam. Such variation in cut scores can send mixed signals to high school students across the state about what qualifies as college readiness."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Large majorities of incoming California community college students place into remedial-level mathematics and English — related
• California community colleges' placement assessments converge on a few common instruments, with ACCUPLACER most common in mathematics and English — related