Student Services Program Review-Spring 2010 - Shasta College

APPENDIX B – Program PlanAssessment CenterReporting Dean: Kevin O’Rorke, Ph.D.Summary:The Assessment Center provides assessments for course placement in math, English, Englishas a Second Language, ATB, and chemistry. Tests are available at the main campus, Tehama,Trinity and Intermountain campuses by appointment. We also provide testing at 14 high schoolswithin the District, including Modoc and Surprise Valley High Schools. Other services providedat the main campus include testing for Title IV financial assistance, proctoring tests forMicrosoft, Cisco and CompTIA certification, and online courses taken at other colleges. Careerassessments are also taken at the center. Proctoring for the TEAS test for entrance into thenursing program is provided at the Downtown Redding Campus.Mission Statement:The mission of the Assessment Center is to assess students‟ math and English skills to ensureappropriate course placement thereby contributing to student success. (Adopted May 2007)Objectives:1. Ensure that all students have access to all available assessment services to facilitateinitial placement in appropriate courses.2. Provide all college testing through the Assessment Center including career assessmentsand nursing program entry testing.3. Switch from Compass Windows based placement tests to web-based at all of theextended education sites.4. Ensure that English cut scores are updated and/or look at changing instruments.5. Work closely with the research department to ensure that our test scores are enteredinto Datatel in a manner in which they can be easily retrieved.6. Work with IT to enter placement test results directly into Datatel.7. Provide counselors with students‟ lists of “Help Requested” generated through theCompass English assessment. Counselors can then follow up with students in theircaseload and make sure they receive assistance in tutoring, career, major selection,financial, etc.8. Use an appointment system for testing International students.9. Provide a friendly, comfortable, and reassuring atmosphere so students can test at theirbest.Service Area Outcomes:1. We will increase the number of high schools that participate in assessment testing ontheir campuses ensuring that students have the opportunity to take advantage of priorityregistration.- 74 -