hartnell college fall 2009

STEP 3aHARTNELL COLLEGE STAAR*Placement AssessmentSTAAR*—Success Through Assessment,Advisement/Orientation and RegistrationYOUR QUESTIONS ANSWEREDWhat is assessment?Assessment is the placement of all new students into the correct levels of English andmath. Hartnell uses an electronic placement assessment called Accuplacer. Thiselectronic placement assessment uses the latest technology to help students placeinto the correct levels of English and math.Who has to take the placement assessment?All new and returning students are required to take the placement assessment EXCEPT:• students who have earned an AA/AS degree or more advanced degree;• students who have completed both English 253 and Math 201 at HartnellCollege or equivalent or higher courses with a grade of C or better atanother college or university;• students who provided Accuplacer scores from another CaliforniaCommunity College within the last three years and have presented a copyof these scores to a Hartnell College Counselor for review anddocumentation;• students who are enrolling in courses in which English and math skills arenot required (IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL STUDENTSTAKE THE PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT);• students who can provide scores to a Hartnell College Counselor from theAdvanced Placement Examination from the College Entrance ExaminationBoard (CEEB), Educational Testing Service, with a score of 3 or above inthe areas of English – Language & Composition, Math (Calculus AP).I think I meet one of the exemptions from the placementassessment. What do I do?See a Counselor and work with the Counselor to complete a Pre-Requisite Clearanceform. When you meet with the Counselor, be sure to bring all relevant documentationwith you.Where and when can I take the placement assessment?The placement assessment is given in the STAAR Assessment Center located insidethe Financial Aid Office in Room CAB 167 A. During peak testing periods, anadditional computer classroom may be utilized. Signs near the Assessment Center willdirect you. The Assessment Center is open Monday through Friday and someSaturdays. The placement assessment may be taken on a walk-in basis – noappointment is necessary. A monthly calendar showing Assessment Center hours isposted on the door of the Assessment Center and is available in the CounselingDepartment Office. For additional information, call the Assessment Center at((831) 759-6054 or (831) 755-6820.If you are driving from a distance, taking time off work, or obtaining child care to takethe placement assessment, please call to make special arrangements. You can reachthe Assessment Center at (831) 759-6054 or (831) 755-6820.What do I need to bring with me when I take the placementassessment?Be sure to bring a photo identification such as a driver’s license. You will not be testedunless you have photo identification.What services are available for students with disabilities?The placement assessment is not a timed assessment and is accessible to moststudents with disabilities. Additionally, students with disabilities may arrange formodified placement assessment by calling the Disabled Student Services Program(DSP&S) at (831) 755-6760.I don’t have a high school diploma or GED and I wish toreceive financial aid. Do I need to take the placementassessment?Yes. All prospective Hartnell College students without a high school diploma or GEDmust demonstrate their Ability to Benefit from college course work by passing theapproved tests before receiving federal financial assistance. Certain Accuplacer testsare approved for Ability to Benefit purposes.How does Accuplacer help with my Financial Aid?If you did not graduate with a high school diploma or earn a GED and you plan toapply for financial aid, and you are not currently attending high school, thenAccuplacer assessment scores can be used to satisfy one of the requirements forfinancial aid because Accuplacer is an approved Ability to Benefit test (ATBT).Can I take the placement assessment more than once?Students may take the placement assessment a second time under the followingconditions:1. at least fourteen days have passed since the first test (to allow for extrapreparation and study), and2. the student has talked with the Assessment Center staff or a Counselor abouthow to better prepare for the placement assessment and has received samplequestions and study materials.What if I want to take the placement assessment a thirdtime?Keep in mind that Accuplacer has been validated through the California CommunityCollege Chancellor’s Office, that it has proven to be over 90 percent accurate, and thathas been in use throughout the nation for more than 15 years.In order to take the placement assessment a third time, you must meet with theAssociate Vice President of Student Affairs and a Counselor. You can make anappointment with the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs by calling (831) 755-6822.I’m a high school student. May I take the placementassessment at my high school?The placement assessment is usually offered at local high schools as part of Hartnell’sEarly Admit Program each spring. Check with your high school Counselor about thedates and availability. Also, see the Hartnell College web page for more information.Do I need to bring my high school transcripts to mycounseling appointment?Yes! Transcripts are essential in education planning with your Counselor. However,high school classes cannot be used to meet prerequisites to college level classes.Is there a fee to take the placement assessment?There is no charge to take the placement assessment.How long is my placement assessment valid?Hartnell College recognizes your placement scores for a period of two years.Remember continued use of math and language skills may improve over time. If yourscores are over two years old, you must take the test again.How can I prepare for the placement assessment?The Assessment Center staff has materials and sample questions to help you prepare.The materials and sample questions are available to you free of charge and can bepicked up at the Assessment Center or the Counseling Appointment Office.Be sure to come to Assessment Center well rested. Be sure to eat properly beforetaking the placement assessment.No food or drink is allowed in the Assessment Center.How long does it take for the placement assessment?There is no time limit. Most placement assessments take approximately 2 hours forboth Math and English.What if I don’t know how to use a computer?No computer skills are required and the Assessment Center staff is available to helpyou in using the computer mouse, if needed.When do I receive the results of the placementassessment?A printed copy of your scores is available immediately upon completion of theplacement assessment. Counselors and the Assessment Center staff will also haveaccess to your results.When I complete the placement assessment what is thenext step?The next step is to enroll in and complete Counseling 21: Student Skills for Success:Orientation.91