WestEd.org One Shot Deal? Students’ Perceptions of Assessment and Course Placement in California’s Community Colleges Thad Nodine Consulting Researcher, WestEd President, Nodine Consulting Andrea Venezia WestEd Kathy Reeves Bracco WestEd

WestEd.org Students in Basic Skills Classes: How did I get here? Study Purpose California Context Methodology

WestEd.org Main Findings Students view matriculation as a “one shot deal” 1.Not connected to high school preparation 2.Walked in “cold” to the assessment 3.Counseling not integrated 4.Post-assessment confusion and frustration

WestEd.org Main Findings 1.High School Preparation Low expectations Lack of information about community colleges

WestEd.org Main Findings 2. Assessment of incoming students Uninformed about assessments and unaware of content and format Unaware of the stakes

WestEd.org Main Findings 3. Counseling High student-counselor ratios Long wait lines and limited attention More satisfaction with dedicated programs

WestEd.org Main Findings 4. Post-Assessment Confusion Uneven enforcement of rules Inconsistent policies across colleges Lack of clarity about retake policies Confusion about “multiple measures” Student frustration and impact on aspirations

WestEd.org Recommendations 1.Work across systems to ensure that assessment and placement are part of an overall process, not a one-shot deal 2.Experiment with innovative and promising practices in student services and instruction

WestEd.org More Information Report & Executive Summary available at: Thad Nodine: Andrea Venezia & Kathy Reeves Bracco WestEd in San Francisco: