5N581 Hidden Springs Dr - St Charles - IL 60175 - 630-377-5035 [email protected]

MATH SUCCESS: College Placement Test Preparation Improve your Test Score on the Math CPT p

ENROLL in Course 1001: Math CPT Test Prep This course is designed to help students prepare for the MATH COLLEGE PLACEMENT TEST to achieve the highest possible score and placement.

Students who engaged in REVIEW significantly improved test scores and placement outcomes (Knowlton, 2011): • 97% of students improved their test scores • 54% of students improved their overall placement • 29% of students improved their score sufficiently to gain access to college-level math

This course helps students prepare for ALL math placement tests, i.e. ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, ASSET, ALEKS, etc.

Our goal is to help you achieve the highest possible score and placement the first time you take the CPT. Copyright © 2011 Elisabeth Knowlton

5N581 Hidden Springs Dr - St Charles - IL 60175 - 630-377-5035 [email protected]

 

Obstacles Students Face When Taking the Placement Test? Most students encounter 3 major obstacles during test taking: 1. Mastering Math Content • Proficiency in Intermediate Algebra (Algebra II or equivalent) or higher IS REQUIRED to gain •

access to college-level math A 2007 study by T. Ruiz has shown that 85% of students do not study for the placement test and consequently are not prepared for taking the test

2. Choosing the Correct Test Level •

CPTs have various test levels: ACCUPLACER -- 3 test levels COMPASS -- 3 test levels ASSET -- 4 test levels ALEKS -- 2 test levels

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A 2007 study by T. Ruiz has shown that ALL students who were NOT given information regarding test levels placed in REMEDIAL MATH.

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Selecting the LOWEST test level will AUTOMATICALLY place students in REMEDIAL MATH even if the student aces the test.

3. Unfamiliarity with Answer Format • Some tests use multiple choice answer format, some use OPEN RESPONSE format • Most students do not perform well on open response tests and are not prepared to type answers to math questions.

Our goal is to help you place in college-level math. Copyright © 2011 Elisabeth Knowlton  

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5N581 Hidden Springs Dr - St Charles - IL 60175 - 630-377-5035 [email protected]

Why the Math College Placement Test? Students enter postsecondary education at many different points in their lives with varying levels of math skills and understanding of key concepts. To help place students in the correct level of Math course, colleges need to determine studentsʼ math skills and competency. To place students colleges and universities utilize various math placement tests. Most institutions use a computerized placement test, such as ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, or ALEKS. Some use pencil-and-paper tests, such as ASSET, etc.

Who Should Take This Course? This study course is designed for • • •

Current high school students Returning adult students Students currently enrolled in remedial math

who desire to gain access to college-level math or expedite remediation.

The placement test is your last chance to avoid having to enroll in remedial math courses. Copyright © 2011 Elisabeth Knowlton  

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5N581 Hidden Springs Dr - St Charles - IL 60175 - 630-377-5035 [email protected]

Why is Proper Placement Important 1. Review Increases Test Scores Most recent research (Knowlton, 2011) has shown that students who engaged in review significantly improved test scores and placement. • • •

97% of students improved their test scores 54% of students improved their overall placement 29% of students improved their score sufficiently to gain access to college-level math

2. Current Trends • 75% of entering college students are placed in remedial math. • Percentage of students who completed the following courses in high school and place in remedial math: Algebra II -- 63% Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry -- 32% Pre-Calculus -- 15% Calculus -- 3% • CPT preparatory courses are NOT offered in high school, but ACT and SAT prep courses are offered. 3. Assessment and Placement • Assessment is considered a pivotal point in a studentʼs college career • High-stakes are attached to placement decisions THEREFORE • Beginning courses at the right level is CRITICAL for students for the following reasons

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4. Disadvantages of Placing below Proficiency Level Research has shown that placing below proficiency level, i.e. in remedial math • Reduces the probability of completing a degree • Increases time to complete a degree • Increases cost for students, parents, and taxpayers • More than 50% of students who place in remedial math drop out within the first year of college • Only 10% of students who need two or more levels of remediation make the transition to college-level math

 

5. Advantages of Correct Course Placement Research has shown that students who are placed in the correct course are • Less likely to drop out • More likely to successfully complete the course • More likely to complete a college degree • Take less time to complete a degree THEREFORE • Saves students TIME • Reduces COST for students, parents, and taxpayers • Increases student success

6. Placement Practices Vary Among Institutions • Most community colleges place students SOLELY on CPT scores • Some colleges and universities and very few community colleges use ACT and SAT scores and high school course grades in conjunction with CPT scores for placement

It is extremely important for students to adequately prepare for the math placement test to achieve PROPER placement Proper Placement is of Utmost Importance for a Successful College Career. Copyright © 2011 Elisabeth Knowlton

 

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5N581 Hidden Springs Dr - St Charles - IL 60175 - 630-377-5035 [email protected]

 

What Does This Preparatory Course Offer?

Course Title: Course Number: Duration:

Math CPT Test Prep Math 1001 Take up to 4 months from time of registration to complete the course

Course Description: This course is designed to help entering college students prepare for the Math College Placement Test (Math CPT) to gain access to college-level math. The course provides math content review and remediation via self-paced adaptive online instruction; identifies challenges students face during the testing process and presents strategies to help students overcome their weaknesses; and educates students as to the significance of placing below established proficiency levels and the impact on their college career. The adaptive learning system targets gaps in studentsʼ math knowledge, allows students to brush up on skills previously learned and learn new topics for which the student has demonstrated readiness. This course helps students prepare for all math placement tests, i.e. ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, ASSET, ALEKS, etc.

Course Content: Part I: Types of CPTs and Placement Practices Part II: Math Content Remediation Part III: Test Taking Preparation

This course helps students prepare for ALL math placement tests. Copyright © 2011 Elisabeth Knowlton

 

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5N581 Hidden Springs Dr - St Charles - IL 60175 - 630-377-5035 [email protected]

Course Details The course consists of three parts:

Part I: Types of CPTs and Placement Practices 1. Describes the various types of CPTs used by colleges and universities 2. Provides insight into current assessment placement practices at colleges and universities 3. Educates students as to the significance of placing below established proficiency levels and the impact on their college career

Part II: Math Content Remediation Program Information — Adaptive online instruction Instruction — Online self-paced Online Access — PC and Mac compatible Duration — Take up to 4 months from time of registration to complete the course Learning Module -- Prep for College-Level Mathematics Initial Assessment — Identifies starting point for learning within a learning module Learning Modes • Artificial Intelligence targets gaps in student knowledge • Learn topics for which you have demonstrated readiness • Allow you to practice until you master specific skills in a specific topic • Review anytime Built-in Tutor Explanations provided in step-by-step format for any problem: • “Help” option—provides immediate feedback on your answer • “Explain” option—provides examples of how to solve problems from a topic Comprehensive math dictionary—provides definitions of terms Continuous Assessment • Automatic assessment at regular intervals • Periodic reassessment to confirm retention of topics previously learned • Assessment given based on rate of progress and amount of time spent

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Online Student and Parent Reports Receive periodic progress reports via email including • Percentage of a particular topic mastered • Time spent • Number of topics mastered CPT Readiness Criteria — Minimum 80% proficiency or higher in all Learning Modes Duration — 14 weeks of access to Learning Module

Part III: Test Taking Preparation Identifies challenges students face during the testing process 1. Help students identify the type of test they are required to take at the college of their choice and take additional practice tests • ACCUPLACER • COMPASS or ASSET • ALEKS • Other 2. Provide information as to what students can expect during test taking • Testing format • Selection of test levels • Number of questions • Time allotted for testing • Calculator requirements

Cost: $165

ENROLL NOW! Your Success is What Matters Most! Copyright © 2011 Elisabeth Knowlton

Copyright © 2011 Elisabeth Knowlton  

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