Re: [MATHEDCC] Retention of students in Algebra

Sandy Spears (SSPEA1@UKCC.UKY.EDU)
Thu, 10 Apr 97 20:35:21 EDT

George, I'd be interested in learning more about how your program works and
what placement exam you use. Do the classes meet more than the typical 3
contact hours per week? Do you use a lab or computerized testing and instructi
on for the retesting? If so, what is the program? Are any exceptions made for
students who don't score well on the placement exam but whose background indic
ates they may be able to handle a higher level course than is recommended? We
have not been able to force the placement results but are looking at doing so
in the near future. However, placement exams are definitely not 100% accurate
so I'm wondering about the students who are forcefully misplaced.

We are starting to require reading classes of all students who score below the
10th grade in reading level on our placement exams for reading starting next
fall. We too believe this has a lot to do with student success in math as in
all other courses. I'm looking forward to seeing how this might help.

Sandy Spears
Coordinator, Mathematics Program
Jefferson Community College
109 E. Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
584-0181, ext. 2269
Fax: 584-0181, ext. 2241
Internet:sspea1@ukcc.uky.edu
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