Using ACCUPLACER to Enhance
College and Career Readiness
for High School Students
Agenda
■ The Big Issues
■ Design of ACCUPLACER
■ Use of ACCUPLACER scores
■ How is ACCUPLACER different?
■ Introducing ACCUPLACER Diagnostics
■ Intervention with MyFoundationsLab
■ Preparing Students to Take ACCUPLACER
The Big Issues
The Big Issues for College Bound Students
■ Eligibility
■ Admission
■ Persistence
■ Affordability
■ Completion
■ Graduation
■ College Readiness is the concept
■ ACCUPLACER as a measure
Design of ACCUPLACER
ACCUPLACER is the most widely used
Placement Assessment in the US
Used in all 50 states
And in 19 countries
Institutions:
49% — 2 year
37% — 4 year
14% — High
schools
State or system-wide ACCUPLACER use
ACCUPLACER Platform
■ Internet-based, on-demand testing
■ Computer-adaptive testing format
■ Placement and Diagnostic exams
■ Reliable and Valid
ACCUPLACER Tests
General Tests
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Reading Comprehension(20)
Sentence Skills(20)
Arithmetic(17)
Elementary Algebra (12)
College Level Math(20)
WritePlacer
Computer Skills
Placement(30/70)
• “Local” Tests
ESL Suite
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Reading Skills (20)
Sentence Meaning (20)
Language Usage(20)
Listening (20)
WritePlacer ESL
Diagnostics
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Reading Comprehension (40)
Sentence Skills(40)
Arithmetic(40)
Elementary Algebra (40)
Test Blueprint
Arithmetic
Sentence Skills
 Computation—fractions
 Computation—decimal numbers
 Problems involving percent
 Estimation, ordering, & number
sense
 Word problems & applications
 Sentence Structure
 Sentence Boundaries
 Modifiers
 Diction/Logic
 Agreement
Elementary Algebra
Reading Comprehension
 Real Numbers
 Linear equations, inequalities, and
systems
 Quadratic expressions & equations
 Algebraic expressions & equations
(other than linear and quadratic)
 Word problems & applications
 Passage-Based Reading: Main Idea
 PBR: Supporting Detail
 PBR: Inference
 PBR: Author's Purpose/Rhetorical
Strategies
 Sentence Relationships
Use of ACCUPLACER Scores
Computer Adaptive Testing
Typical Pattern of Student Responses
Increased
Difficulty
Middle
Difficulty
Decreased
Difficulty
Score is calculated and
the next best item is
selected based on:
•
Difficulty
•
Content
•
Test Specifications
Branching Profiles: Test Scores
Placement
College Level
Math
Elementary
Algebra
70-90
Placement
Placement
Arithmetic
Placement
Placement
20-59
Diagnostic
Testing
My
FoundationsLab
Retest
ACCUPLACER
Sample College Placement Policy
Sample Community College Cut Scores
ACCUPLACER Diagnostics
Test Blueprint
Arithmetic
Sentence Skills
 Computation—fractions
 Computation—decimal numbers
 Problems involving percent
 Estimation, ordering, & number
sense
 Word problems & applications





Elementary Algebra





 Real Numbers
 Linear equations, inequalities, and
systems
 Quadratic expressions & equations
 Algebraic expressions & equations
(other than linear and quadratic)
 Word problems & applications
Sentence Structure
Sentence Boundaries
Modifiers
Diction/Logic
Agreement
Reading Comprehension
Passage-Based Reading: Main Idea
PBR: Supporting Detail
PBR: Inference
PBR: Author's Purpose/Rhetorical Strategies
Sentence Relationships
Student Diagnostic Score Report
Intervention with
MyFoundationsLab
The ACCUPLACER diagnostic assessment is paired with proven
MyFoundationsLab remediation. This powerful combined
experience enhances college preparedness and student success.
 Independent Study: Student provides own access to
technology and monitors own improvement
 Independent Study with Instructor/Teacher Guidance:
Student provides own access to technology but is
monitored by teacher/instructor
 Blended Learning: Teacher/instructor integrating
technology into curriculum.
 Lab: Student is given access to technology and is
monitored by instructor.
Implementation Possibilities Include:
• Creating a College Readiness course for Seniors which
reviews the skills measured on ACCUPLACER and blends
traditional instruction with MyFoundationsLab.
• Use MyFoundationsLab as part of an ongoing English
and/or Math course
• Provide opportunities for independent study, preferably
with teacher guidance
• Create an intervention program such as a Summer Boot
Camp.
A personalized study plan has been created for you based on your ACCUPLACER
test results. Within 24 hrs you will receive an email with your log in credentials
and instructions on how to access your personalized study plan. If you have not
provided an accurate email address please. See your proctor to update your
information.
Students enter the remediation tool. Click on the Learning Path.
The activities include reading,
videos,
animations,
practice assignments,
Writing Activity
and low-stakes assignments…
with immediate feedback.
And the assignments include a variety of learning aids for justin-time help.
3. Students can demonstrate topic mastery by taking a post-test
with a mastery score or achieving a mastery score on all
activities. (This is an instructor setting.)
There is also a focus on study skills.
Preparing Students to
Take ACCUPLACER
Taking ACCUPLACER Tests
• Computer adaptive
• Untimed
• On the screen:
• Only one question per screen
• Must answer before moving ahead
• Cannot skip questions
• Cannot review and change answers
• Can stop and finish later
Student Preparation
• Information on test content and design
• Sample Questions for Students
• Study App
For more information, email:
ACCUPLACER@collegeboard.org