Catalog 2010-2011 - South Texas College

Questions from all three categories are alwayspresented to the student although the numberof questions from each category varies with thestudent’s skill level.Elementary Algebra TestA total of 12 questions, divided into three types,are administered in this test. The first type involvesoperations with integers and rational numbers,and includes computation with integers andnegative rationals, the use of absolute values,and ordering. A second type, which involvesoperations with algebraic expressions testsminimal skill levels using evaluation of simpleformulas and expressions, and adding andsubtracting monomials and polynomials. The thirdtype of question involves the solution of equations,inequalities, and word problems.Texas WritePlacer PlusWriting samples for Texas WritePlacer Plus arescored using a modified holistic scoring method,a procedure used to evaluate the overall quality ofwriting based on the features of writing identifiedbelow.Each response is evaluated based on the followingfeatures of writing:4 Focus4 Organization4 Development and Support4 Sentence Structure and Usage4 Mechanical ConventionsA score of zero indicates that the essay was offtopic, in a language other than English, too shortto be evaluated, or in some other way not able tobe scored. Descriptions of each score are shownbelow.PAYMENT FOR THE ACCUPLACER EXAMThe ACCUPLACER Exam fee is $29 for allthree sectons; or $10 for one secton or $20for two sections plus a $15 Reservation FeeRegistration for this exam is now done on-linethrough Student Marketplace: https://marketplace.southtexascollege.edu/ustores/web/.Please contact the Student Assessment Center(Pecan: 956-872-3484, Mid-Valley: 956-447-6602,Starr: 956-488-6976) for more information.THE THEA EXAMEach section of the THEA Exam is designed tomeasure a student’s academic skill in relation toan established standard of competence. The scoreon each section of the test is based on the masteryof the skills being tested.The THEA Exam consists of the following sections:ReadingThe reading section includes reading selectionssimilar to those found in course materials (e.g.,textbooks, lab manuals, essays) that students arelikely to encounter during their first year in college.Each selection is approximately 300 to 750 wordsin length. Students will be asked to answer severalmultiple-choice questions about each selection.20MathematicsThe mathematics section contains multiplechoicequestions covering four general areas:fundamental mathematics, algebraic graphic andequations, algebraic operations and quadratics,and geometry and reasoning. The test questionsfocus on a student’s ability to perform mathematicaloperations and/or solve problems. Appropriateformulas will be provided for students to use inperforming some of the calculations required bythe test questions. Examinees will not be permittedto use calculators during the test.WritingThe writing section consists of two subsections: agroup of multiple-choice questions and a writingsample portion. Examinees must take both writingsubsections. The multiple-choice subsection of thetest assesses students’ skills in various elementsof effective writing. The writing sample subsectionrequires students to demonstrate their ability tocommunicate effectively by writing on a giventopic. Students will be instructed to provide awriting sample of approximately 300 to 600 words.Generally, topics will allow examinees to drawfrom personal experience and general knowledge.Students will not be allowed to use dictionaries.TESTING TIME PROVIDEDThe test session(s) are five hours in length.Examinees may use the time available to work onany of the three sections of the test. The individualtest sections (Reading, Mathematics, Writing) arenot limited within the testing session. The test isdesigned so that most students should be able tofinish all three sections within five hours.For more information, visit the Counseling andAdvising Center or call 872-8372 or 1-800-742-7822.For complete testing information, visit the StudentAssessment Center or call Pecan Campus: 956-872-3484, Mid-Valley Campus: 956-447-6602,Starr County Campus: 956-488-6976.MANDATORY PARTICIPATIONStudents required to take Developmental coursesincluding College Success must attend scheduledclasses.If they drop or are dropped for non-attendance bytheir instructors, they are identified by the office ofAdmissions as non-compliant. The Testing officersends these students letters informing them oftheir non-compliant status. These students mustmake arrangements with the Testing officer and/orStaff representative. Students who fail to complywith any of the following policies and proceduresmay be withdraw from all of their classes and willnot earn any college credit hours for the semester.DROPPING OR WITHDRAWING FROMDEVELOPMENTAL COURSE WORKStudents under TSI requirements who have beenassigned developmental courses due to Initialplacement or failing a section of an AlternativeExam may not drop these courses.Withdrawal from a developmental course must beassociated only with withdrawal from the institution.