Retention Project 2009 – 2011: Joint Academic Upgrading/Test Centre Assessment Pilot Lynne Eagan, Academic Upgrading Cindy Thuswaldner, Academic Upgrading Jeff Agate, Test Centre

Purpose of Pilot Update promotional criteria and assessment methods for AU - Communication courses. Review language skills and proficiency levels for course promotion. Adopt new assessment tools – Use of current assessment technologies – Align assessment tools with post-secondary admission practice

The Academic Upgrading Program Poor English and Math skills are known barriers to post-secondary success. The AU – Comm courses develop English skills necessary for success in all post-secondary programs. The tools used to assess English skills in AU – Comm now line up with assessment tools (i.e., Accuplacer) currently used for admission to Algonquin.

Implementation Process Step 1: Gain consensus among faculty on the Performance Level Descriptors necessary for promotion between the 5 courses of AU Comm. Reading Writing

Implementation Process Step 2: Identify suitable Accuplacer tests. 8 language skills tests available A hybrid of Accuplacer tests and professor- scored writing samples were adopted for promotion criteria.

Implementation Process Step 3: Identification of corresponding test scores for the Performance Level Descriptors necessary for promotion between each course. Collaborative process Accuplacer service

Implementation Process Step 4: Scheduling and implementation Custom AU Comm Accuplacer site. Automatic scoring with placement recommendations. Results delivered to professors by next class.

Observations Increased student retention – no longer a barrier. Promotion assessment more relevant because it mirrors the college admission process Un-timed - reduces examinee stress Fewer students getting stuck Re-test period shortened from 90 to 30 days Current and culturally unbiased assessment Reflects Algonquins commitment to use of current technology Data is readily available for analysis

Evaluation 173 AU – Comm students have completed assessment Increase in number of students promoted from course to course Speeding up of the promotional process – student success is accelerated