ERIC Number: ED631691
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 111
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3744-1025-9
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Improving Math Placement of Non-Traditional Students in Arkansas Community Colleges Using Multiple Measures Assessments
Paape, Johnathon Edward
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, University of Arkansas
For decades, community colleges have relied on standardized placement tests to determine student readiness for college-level coursework. COVID-19 exposed the flaws of relying on a single measure to assess student readiness as many test sites shut down during the pandemic. Previous research has also pointed out the high rate of misplacement when using placement tests as a single factor. This is particularly important for non-traditional students as they often lack the guidance needed to successfully navigate and prepare for such tests. The result of this situation is often that non-traditional students are placed into remedial courses despite having the potential to do well in college-level coursework. With research showing extended time in college often leads to attrition coupled with other research showing math as a gatekeeper course to completion, examining more accurate measures is critical. Because of this, many community colleges have started exploring alternative ways to place students into college-level coursework using more holistic factors. A popular and effective method of placement in recent years has been multiple measures assessments (MMA). These assessments allow for the use of multiple factors to create a more accurate placement picture for students. The purpose of the study was to explore these multiple measures assessments, determine variables of interest, and test whether MMAs are suitable alternatives to placement exams. The results of the study revealed that the MMA model created was more effective overall in determining student readiness for College Algebra for Arkansas community college students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Student Placement, Mathematics Education, Mathematics Achievement, Nontraditional Students, Community College Students, Evaluation Methods, College Readiness, Placement Tests, Holistic Approach
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Arkansas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A