1. Early Assessment Program
Preparing for College-Level English and Mathematics
High School Counselor Conferences
Carolina Cardenas, Associate Director, Academic Outreach and Early Assessment Jeff Gold, Director, Academic Technology Development
Office of the Chancellor, The California State University

2. The CSU Early Assessment Program
Collaboration
California State Board of Education
California Department of Education
California State University
The CSU Early Assessment Program
EAP

3. Goals of the EAP Give students an early signal of college readiness
Identify students before their senior year who need to do additional work in English and/or mathematics before entering the CSU
Collaborate with the high school community
Inform students, families, and high schools of students’ readiness for college-level work and partner with high school teachers and administrators to develop solutions
Provide 12th grade interventions
Motivate students to take needed steps in 12th grade to assure readiness

4. Components of the EAP 11th grade testing
The CSU Early Assessment Program is comprised of three core components which provide a comprehensive solution for helping students become ready for college.
11th grade testing
Professional development for teachers
Supplemental preparation for students

5. Why Should 11th Grade Students Participate in the EAP?
Earn an exemption from CSU-required English and/or mathematics placement tests
Identify the need for additional preparation for college-level courses while in high school
Adjust senior-year coursework to prepare for college-level courses
Avoid investing time and money in college remediation courses that do not count toward a baccalaureate degree

6. What Do Students Think About the EAP?

7. What Do the EAP Results Mean?
Ready for CSU College-Level Mathematics/English
Student demonstrates readiness for college level coursework in English Language Arts and/or mathematics and is exempt from further CSU testing.
Ready for CSU College-Level Mathematics - Conditional
Student demonstrates readiness for college level coursework in mathematics at that point in time. However, successful completion of a senior year math experience is required to retain the exemption.
Not Yet Demonstrating Readiness for CSU College-Level Mathematics/English
Student does not demonstrate readiness for college level coursework in English Language Arts and/or mathematics and is encouraged to participate in a senior year experience in either or both areas. Student must take the placement exams.

8. Fulfilling the CSU Mathematics and English Placement Requirements Is Very Difficult
The EAP tests are tough
15-20% of students typically demonstrate complete readiness in English
10-15% of students typically demonstrate complete readiness in math
40-45% of students typically demonstrate conditional readiness in math
Using SAT scores to fulfill the CSU placement requirement is difficult
550 or above is needed in the verbal section
550 or above is required on the math section
As a result, in 2006 approximately
60% of incoming students were ready for English
65% of incoming students were ready for math

9. Professional Development for Teachers
Expository Reading and Writing Course
Emphasizes in-depth study of expository, analytical, and argumentative writing
Deepens students’ critical reading, writing, and thinking skills
Approved to fulfill the B requirement of the A-G subject area requirements
Reading Institutes for Academic Preparation
Improves capacity to teach reading and academic literacy across the curriculum for 9th - 12th grade teachers in all subject areas
Mathematics Program
Increases teacher’s knowledge and understanding of the EAP program
Examines student performance on the CSU Entry Level Mathematics Exam to identify and analyze patterns of student strengths and weaknesses

10. EAP 2007 Updates EAP results are now available on the STAR Report
The results are on the backside of the report in the lower left corner
EAP results are not included on the CDE label with the rest of the student STAR results
Student can also check their EAP status online
Students who cannot locate their STAR report and cannot retrieve their EAP status online will be directed to you for a copy.
EAP aggregate data will soon be available online
On September 20th a website with access to EAP district/school reports will be available
The data will be organized in aggregate form and by sub-groups

11. EAP 2007 Updates
Students should be encouraged to release their scores to the CSU
Student need to fill in a bubble on their answer sheet in order to release their scores.
Doing so allows them to retrieve their scores online and ensures that CSU admissions receives their scores after they are admitted.
The EAP is voluntary and does not affect admission to the CSU.
Efforts are underway to expand the EAP to other institutions
SB945
CCC Assessment Policy recommendations
Make plans for the 2008 EAP essay administration
March , 2008

12. Math and English Success Websites
Free, customized information and tools for students, teachers, and counselors
Checklists and guidance tips for parents (English and Spanish)
Personalized roadmaps with step by step advice and reminders
Student testimonial videos
Online learning tools

13. Motivation - Student Testimonial Videos
Videos were shot of students enrolled in developmental math and English courses at Fresno State and Long Beach State
Videos have proven to be an effective motivational tool in convincing high school students to take the CSU math and English placement requirements seriously

14. Authoritative Advice - Personalized Roadmap
Students are encouraged to create a roadmap to receive personalized advice about how to best meet the ELM and EPT Requirements
The first step requires students to answer 1-5 questions
The questioning process determines what advice the student will be given
Over 30 personalized roadmaps can be generated depending on student responses

15. Authoritative Advice - Personalized Roadmap
The roadmap informs students of the series of steps that they should take to become ready for the CSU
All information is provided via customized checklists that students can update in real time
The roadmap can be printed
All items are linked to other pages that provide further detail

16. Online Tools – English and Math Test Prep
Online practice multiple choice tests (free)
Online intelligent math tutor ($35)
ENGLISH
Online practice multiple choice tests with personalized feedback (free)
Calibrated Peer Review online essay writing tool (free)

17. Online Tools – ALEKS Intelligent Math Tutoring
ALEKS is an online tutorial which helps students prepare for the Entry Level Math (ELM) Exam
It costs $35 through the CSU Math Success website.
Fee waivers are available
Students work at their own pace
Students can track their progress by viewing a pie chart which provides a snapshot of their current knowledge state
A guided course is available for “Conditionally Ready” students who are not taking math in their senior year. Passing this course fulfills the CSU math placement requirement.

18. Online EAP Status Check
Students can determine their EAP math and English status online at this website.
Students then receive personalized advice for fulfilling the CSU math and English placement requirements in the most efficient way.

19. EAP STAR Report Website
Explanation of all EAP statuses
Student video explaining the importance of EAP
Links to advising tools and exam prep resources on the Math and English Success Websites

20. What Can I Do? Contact your local EAP Coordinator.
Encourage your 12th grade students to determine their EAP status ASAP.
Talk about the importance of EAP with your 11th grade students.
Encourage all students to visit the CSU Math and English Success Websites.
Inform English teachers about the free CSU Calibrated Peer Review program.
Inform English and math teachers about CSU professional development opportunities.
Visit the CSU EAP Website at to learn more about the program.

21. Any questions?