GENERAL PURPOSES FOR TESTING *

Basic Skills Assessment *
Course Placement *
Ability to Benefit *
Competency Exams *
Advanced Standing Credit *

TESTING INSTRUMENTS *

ACT COMPASS--Computerized Adaptive Test *
ASSET *
ACCUPLACER Levels of English Proficiency *
Michigan English Placement Test *
Computer Competency Exam *

GENERAL TESTING PROCEDURES*

Students with Disabilities *
Testing For Ability to Benefit for Financial Aid*
ATB Minimum Acceptable Scores *
HONORS PLACEMENT 8
Entering/Reviewing Test Results in Test Codes *
Test Score Reports *
Retest Policies and Expiration of Scores *
Testing for Basic Skills Assessment *
Testing for English Course Placement *
COMPASS and ASSET COURSE ENG PLACEMENT GUIDELINES *
Special Retest Procedure for Borderline Reading/Writing Scores *
Using ASSET for English Placement *
ASSET Reading & Writing Course Placement Guidelines *
ASSET Reading & Writing Course Placement Guidelines *
ASSET Reading & Writing Course Placement Guidelines *
ESL PLACEMENT *
Determining Appropriate Testing Instrument for ESL Students *
ESL Levels *
ESL Levels, Test Scores, and Eligible Courses*
ACCUPLACER LOEP Administration *
Writing Samples for Students Scoring LOEP 300+: *
ACCUPLACER LOEP Re-test Policies *
Testing Community Education Workforce Development ESL Students *

TESTING FOR MATH COURSE PLACEMENT *

COMPASS Math Placement Scores Chart *
Mathematics Placement Using ASSET *
ASSET Math Placement Scores Chart *
Conversion Chart for Math ASSET Scores (Form D) *
Conversion Chart for Math ASSET Scores (Form E) *

Computer Competency Test: Skillcheck *

Appendices *

Appendix A: History of Policy & Procedure Changes to BSA Manual *
Appendix B: College Policies *
Appendix C: ESL Language List *
Appendix D: Test IDs and Components *
Appendix E: Courses Exempt from Placement into ENG 01/04 *

This manual is intended to assist Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) faculty and staff with the myriad of policies and procedures involved with meeting State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and NVCC standardized testing requirements. It is updated annually by the Office of Curriculum & Enrollment Services with assistance from faculty and staff. For questions or comments regarding manual, please contact Curriculum & Enrollment Services.

This manual describes four general categories of testing; basic skills assessment, course placement, ability to benefit testing, and competency examination. For each category, a purpose for testing, description of assessment instruments, policy and procedures are explained. Additionally, information for testing students with disabilities and placement for honors courses are included.

Basic skills assessment does not determine admission to the college; it is designed to determine if students are prepared to perform college level work. Information on basic skill levels provides students, counselors, and faculty a basis on which to select courses in which the student has a reasonable probability of success. Effective Fall 2002; all students must take the writing and reading placement tests prior to registering in their 16^th credit hour of coursework. If deficiencies are noted, students can be directed into appropriate developmental work.

In response to a mandate from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), NVCC adopted a policy requiring that all students who began in Fall 1993 and thereafter will complete basic skills assessment testing in reading and writing (counselor will determine if math assessment is needed) if:

• they wish to be officially program placed prior to completing 9 credits with a GPA of at least 2.0, or
• their GPA is less than 2.0 after completing their first 9 credits at NVCC, or
• they transfer to NVCC with a GPA of less than 2.0.

Placement exams are administered to determine if students have the entry-level competencies required for a specific course. These exams are not admission tests. They are intended to assist students in selecting courses and designing an academic program in which the student will most likely be successful.

Placement tests are mandatory for enrollment in developmental English courses, ENG 111, some science courses and most MTH courses (except MTH 01 and MTH 02). Students wishing to enroll in MTH 01 and MTH 02 do not have to take the math placement tests. However, students are encouraged to take the test, so that they do not underestimate their skills and enroll in a mathematics course that is below their skill level. If deficiencies are identified, the developmental course(s) that is indicated by the placement test score must be completed successfully before the student may enroll in the specific course.

The 2003-2004 catalog states that enrollment in most college-credit courses will require placement into ENG 01 and ENG 04. Students who fail to score the minimum for enrollment into ENG 01 and ENG 04 may not enroll in a college-credit course unless the course has been exempted from this prerequisite. These students will be advised to take community education courses or other courses designed to prepare them to succeed in developmental reading and writing courses. Counselors and some division offices may provide students with a list of alternative educational venues in the community.

Testing for Ability to Benefit (ATB) is required under Federal regulations for students who do not have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and who apply for Title IV Federal Financial Aid. Students must complete basic skills tests to demonstrate that they are able to benefit from enrollment at the college. A passing score on independently administered tests approved by the U.S. Department of Education is required.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) mandated that all institutions of higher education in Virginia assess graduates’ core competencies in six areas: writing, oral communication, technology, quantitative reasoning, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking. Because the VCCS had already mandated the assessment of core computer competencies, the System chose to interpret "technology" as "information literacy." The VCCS Task Force on Assessing Core Competencies was formed to develop a plan for assessing the six competencies required by SCHEV. The Writing Assessment is a writing sample given in ENG 111 classes at least every three years (the Fall 2002 sample was the first to count). Based upon a test designed by and for James Madison University, the Information Literacy Assessment was first officially given in Testing Centers in Spring 2003. Another JMU test will be modified and piloted in 2003-04 to assess both quantitative and scientific reasoning. Oral communication and critical thinking assessments have not been determined yet.

To meet the VCCS computer competency requirement, students who entered NVCC in the Fall 1999 semester or later and who wish to graduate from a degree program must demonstrate computer competency. Students in degree programs that require a specific computer competency course must take the course to fulfill the curricular requirement. For those degrees where no such course is designated, students may choose a computer competency course, or they may take the Computer Competency Exam (Skillcheck) at campus Testing Centers. The Computer Competency Exam is not an ABLE and cannot be substituted for courses required within a degree program. An ABLE for IST 117 may be available for use in the near future.

The primary testing instruments used by NVCC are ACT COMPASS and ACCUPLACER Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP). Several years ago, the college chose COMPASS for reading and writing testing for native English speakers and math testing for all students; now COMPASS use is mandated and cutoff score ranges are approved by the VCCS. ACCUPLACER LOEP is used to appropriately place students whose first language is not English. Other testing instruments used under special circumstances are ASSET and the Michigan English Proficiency Test (EPT). Additional testing instruments are briefly described.

Used for basic skills assessment, placement, and some ATB testing, COMPASS is a computerized adaptive test published by ACT. COMPASS has been used by NVCC since Spring 1994, although some campuses could not implement it until later semesters. If a student answers questions correctly, subsequent questions are more difficult, but if a student answers questions incorrectly, easier questions are presented. This provides each student with a test that is personalized for his or her ability.

COMPASS has Reading and Writing tests that are used for English placement and basic skills testing. In each section, the student is presented with one to three essays that they must read and then answer questions and/or identifies areas that need to be corrected.

COMPASS also includes the mathematics tests used for math placement and basic skills assessment testing. The math test is divided into five subsections: pre-algebra, algebra, college algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. When taking the math test, the program will move students imperceptibly from one section to another based on their performance. This is a particular advantage over previous math tests because the student does not have to identify his or her math level in order to take the right test. All students must begin at the pre-algebra level. Students may use only the online calculator.

The time it takes to administer COMPASS varies depending on how many sections of the test are completed. Typically, a student can complete a section in 30 minutes.

Published by the same company as COMPASS, ASSET is a paper-and-pencil placement test. ASSET replaced the ETS Assessment and Placement Services Test (APS) effective July 1, 2001. ASSET may be used for off-campus testing or in those instances where COMPASS cannot be used, such as in the event of a power outage or for students with disabilities.

ASSET provides a writing skills test, a reading skills test, and a numerical skills test to be used for basic skills assessment, placement and ATB testing. There are also advanced mathematics tests for students whose numerical skills test score indicate that they do not need remediation. Each test must be completed within a twenty-five minute time period.

Effective July 1, 2002, ACCUPLACER LOEP replaced the Michigan English Place Test (EPT) used to place students into the various levels of English as Second Language (ESL) courses. ACCUPLACER LOEP is a computerized adaptive test developed by the College Board.There are three multiple-choice test components or sub-tests of the ACCUPLACER LOEP: Reading Skills, Sentence Meaning, and Language Use. An informal writing sample is required of students for placement into ESL levels 04, 05, 06, or 07.

ESL Levels indicate in which courses the student may enroll. A student may be assigned to a particular level based on additional factors (writing samples, interviews, or instructor’s permission) as well as the ACCUPLACER placement. Not all campuses offer all levels of ESL. Students recommended for community education ESL courses may be referred to NVCC Continuing Education or to other community education resources.

Students whose primary language is not English and have documented disabilities that prohibit the use of ACCUPLACER LOEP may be placed into appropriate ESL courses using the Michigan EPT. A disabilities counselor must refer students who need to take the Michigan EPT in lieu of the ACCUPLACER LOEP exam.

Skillcheck, the NVCC computer competency exam, is a computerized test used by students who must meet graduation requirements as described in the 2003-2004 catalog. Skillcheck is not a credit by examination (ABLE) test and cannot be used in place of a required course to fulfill program requirements.

Skillcheck consists of 82 questions or tasks in basic computer operations and applications: word processing, database, presentation, spreadsheet, and communication. A minimum passing score is 51% or 42 questions. A passing score is valid for 7 years. Students may retest once every 30 days. The test is not timed but takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

Testing information for basic skills assessment, course placement, ATB and computer competency are described with computer test codes, retest policies and procedures. Additionally, information regarding testing students with disabilities and honors placement is included.

Prior to testing, students must have been admitted to the College. Students must present valid photo identification when taking any exam at NVCC Testing Centers. Most testing is on a walk-in basis. However, students are advised to verify hours of operation of the testing center they wish to use since hours may vary.
  

To receive accommodations, students must be registered with the Disability Services Office/Counselor on campus and have a memorandum of accommodations. Typically, students with disabilities do not require accommodations for the computerized exams since they are not timed and a calculator is available in the computerized math test. Counselors should determine the most appropriate testing format for students with disabilities requiring accommodations.

With approval from a Disability Services counselor:

• Native English speaking students with documented disabilities may take the ASSET tests at twice the normal testing time. Each campus has ASSET available in large print, Braille, and on audiocassette.
• ESL students with documented disabilities may take the Michigan EPT and complete a writing sample. If extended time is recommended on the memorandum of accommodations, the Michigan test will be administered untimed.
• If a student did not initially disclose a disability, the disability counselor has the discretion to recommend a retest using ASSET or Michigan EPT.

The computer literacy test may be waived for students with documented disabilities that cannot be accommodated.
 

Students must take COMPASS or ASSET for Ability to Benefit (ATB) purposes. This applies to ESL students as well as those for whom English is a native language.

Federal ATB regulations require that test administrators be certified by the test publisher. Because NVCC qualifies as an "Assessment Center" individual test administrators need not be certified. ACCUPLACER LOEP is not approved for ATB testing. COMPASS and ASSET are approved Ability-To-Benefit (ATB) tests administered by all NVCC campuses.

• Students who take COMPASS for ATB purposes must take COMPASS according to the ACT guidelines, which indicate that students must take all portions of the test--Reading, Writing, and Math—"in a single testing experience." If a student does not achieve or exceed all three required scores, the student must retake all three portions of the test to be eligible for ATB status.

• Students who are taking ASSET for ATB purposes must achieve or exceed the minimum score on each of the three tests: reading, writing, and numerical skills. They must pass all three tests at one administration.
• Students who retest must be given a version of the test other than the one taken previously. Generally, Form D will be used for initial testing and Form E for retest purposes.

• Federal regulations require that the test administrator retain the form on which the test was taken for three years. NVCC policy is that information will be retained for four years.

• Student scores are valid for 12 months; therefore, students must matriculate at NVCC within 12 months of taking the ATB test. If they do not, they must take the test again. For ATB purposes, students who must retake the test should do so according to test publisher’s recommendations. Once the students have enrolled, they need not take the test again for ATB purpose.

Students who score honors-level English and/or math placement scores may be invited to enroll in honors courses. Using COMPASS or ASSET, English placement scores must be in both reading and writing for students to be invited into most honors courses. Where more than one score is indicated for math honors course, minimum scores in all sections are required to qualify for class. Students receiving qualifying scores will be referred to counseling for further information.
 
  

Test scores are entered on the EU02 screen. All of a single student’s test scores may be reviewed using the EI01 screen. The EI02 screen may be used to look at several students’ scores. Computer codes will continue to be used with the implementation of the new SIS system. SIS Test ID, and components are listed in Appendix D.

Test Score Reports

Reports given to students with the results of COMPASS should include the actual scores the students have achieved. Students taking ASSET should be given their scale scores. This will allow the student to present the results to counselors and registration clerks should there be a question as to their eligibility for a particular English or math course. Some campuses choose to provide ESL students with their placement, but not with their scores. Students taking the computer competency test, Skillcheck, should be given a test results printout with their actual score.
 

Retest Policies and Expiration of Scores

In order to retake an exam prior to the indicated time, students must have written permission from a provost, division chair or their designee and may only retake the test one time. Students currently enrolled in ENG or ESL courses may not take the corresponding placement test until they finish the course. Test scores for students who retest before the prescribed time without written permission will be invalid. To assure appropriate testing, testing center personnel should check the student's previous testing records.
  

Students required to complete basic skills assessment as outlined on page 2 will likely have a hold on their student records. One example of a basic skills hold is when students who have a GPA of less than 2.00 after completing their first 9 credits at NVCC are required to take basic skills tests prior to their next registration. The computer will automatically generate a notice to students notifying them of the requirement. Students will be told to see a counselor prior to testing.

All students who receive the hold warning must complete the basic skills reading and writing tests (COMPASS or ASSET). The counselor will determine if the basic skills math test is appropriate to the student's academic area. Upon completion of the tests students will return to the counselor for advising. The counselor is responsible for removing the hold once the tests have been completed. Students who fail to take the test or see a counselor will receive a message "basic skills tests required prior to registration--please see a counselor" when attempting to register.

COMPASS is the primary tool for placement testing for ENG 111 and for basic skills assessment in reading and writing. The COMPASS English placement test has two untimed parts: Reading and Writing. The test is also used to help students select courses consistent with their basic skills.

Students should take the reading section of COMPASS before the writing section. The English faculty has found that students perform better on the reading section when it is given first. The reading and writing tests of COMPASS may be given in two separate sessions if necessary, except when fulfilling ATB guidelines.

Effective Fall 2002, students must achieve a minimum score to be placed into ENG 01 and ENG 04. Students scoring below the minimum on the reading test and/or on the writing test should be referred to counseling for advisement on alternative educational avenues. Each campus must develop procedures for assuring that these students receive prompt and appropriate advisement.
 
  

ASSET may be used for placement into ENG 111 in those instances where COMPASS cannot be administered. It may also be used as a retest. Each ASSET test is timed (25 minutes). Exceptions may be made to accommodate students with documented disabilities, permitting twice the normal testing period for each test. Each campus has ASSET tests available in large print, Braille, and on audiocassette.

• While the order of the tests is not prescribed, it is probably less confusing for the student to administer the tests in the order they appear in the test booklet: writing skills first and then reading skills.
• Form D of ASSET is used for routine testing. Form E is used only for students who are retaking the test.
• The directions for taking the test are included in the test booklet.
• The student records answers on a scantron answer sheet.
• Remind students not to mark in the test booklet.