Signalling college demands: James Rosenbaum, Pam Schuetz, and Amy Foran What do community colleges tell students about remedial placement tests? June, 2011

The Zen Question  If colleges give "tests," & students see no reason to do well, have they really taken a test?  Our observations indicate that many students "blow off" the remedial placement test, which they don't anticipate or understand (Rosenbaum, et al. 2001,2006; Kirst & Venezia, 2003). One of our goals: why don’t students take these tests seriously?  What do community colleges tell students about these tests? © 2011 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 2 February 29, 2016

Who will use the information we generate and how will they use it?  Audiences/Users Audiences -- Community college administrators, College Board, ACT, High school staff.  Policy Implications Findings raise issues that could be easily fixed, lead to better preparation, and informed choice.  Practice Implications Study identifies what information is provided, & what information could be provided. © 2011 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 3

How are we exploring this issue?  Methods, Measures, and Timing Websites are the major source of information about community colleges, including placement tests (given the large numbers of students and paucity of counselors). Website findings were compared with printed materials and registration information at some campuses. Coding: Website analysis on this issue is relatively straightforward: whether info is provided, what kind of info, how hard it is to find, implications for student preparation and program choices. Findings will soon be available. February 29, 2016© 2011 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 4

What are we learning?  1. Community college websites don't announce placement tests, many bury information.  2. Websites don't inform students of placement tests' impact on degree timetables or are evasive.  3. Websites don't recommend preparing for placement tests, some discourage it, & preparation materials are limited.  4. Despite many advantages to taking the test early, websites say nothing about when to take the test or the possibilities of retesting.  5. Websites don’t mention alternative programs for getting quick credentials. February 29, 2016© 2011 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 5

How will we share our work? If aware of these issues, community colleges could easily devise ways to let students anticipate and prepare for placement tests. They could  Make better websites,  Pose clear timetables, and  Provide early test & re-test opportunities.  College Board and ACT could improve information, like the info they provide for admissions tests.  Dissemination: We will share results with community colleges, College Board, and ACT, and work on strategies for action. February 29, 2016© 2011 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 6