Presenters:
Rich Edwards, Professor Learning Services, Perception Assessment Manager, Kirkwood Community College
Title:
Developing a Reliable, Valid Perception Placement Test for Beginning or Advanced Courses
Synopsis:
Using a model from biology to illustrate the process, this presentation will explain how to develop a customized, discipline-based, placement test that is reliable, valid, and cost effective for student placement in beginning or advanced courses. Early in 2006 a team of Kirkwood Community College Biology faculty decided to implement mandatory placement in Basic Biology or College Biology. They had previously used a paper/pencil biology readiness test to advise students on which course to take, but placement was not mandatory, and students without the prerequisite knowledge were unsuccessful in the more rigorous College Biology course. The faculty team developed a Perception placement test to be administered prior to classes at eleven test centers over the seven-county college service area. After a year and a half of test development, the placement test was put into production in the fall of 2007. Tools in the Questionmark assessment system made possible the project’s success. Participants will receive a blueprint for developing a placement test for other disciplines.
Objectives:
- Learn the steps required to develop a reliable, valid placement test that can be used for any discipline
- Learn the roles and responsibilities for a successful test development project team
- Learn how the Perception authoring, administration, and statistical reporting tools facilitate this process
