Assessment and Course ReadinessAs active learners, Normandale students are responsible for their learning as well as meeting or exceeding the academic standards established by the College's faculty. Normandale uses various assessment activities to provide students with the feedback they need to routinely and accurately monitor progress toward their academic goals. Normandale also uses assessment activities as a vehicle for improving the College's learning programs. Assessment helps Normandale identify where and how its programs are succeeding and where changes need to be made. Course Readiness and MnSCU Assessment Policy Normandale Community College follows the guidelines of assessment for course placement set forth by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) System. The Course Readiness Assessment is intended to help new entering students understand their current level of academic readiness so that they can be placed into the courses in which they can be successful. Results of the Course Readiness Assessment also allow the College to identify changes in the academic readiness of each cohort of new entering students. If assessment results indicate that a student is not ready for college-level coursework in reading, writing or mathematics, developmental coursework must be completed before the student will be allowed to register for courses in related academic subjects. Students whose Course Readiness Assessment results are at the Adult Basic Education (ABE) level in either reading or composition will receive a deferred admission to the College. Deferred admission means that a student may not enroll in courses at Normandale until the student demonstrates college readiness in both reading and writing. Demonstrated readiness in reading and composition is achieved by retaking the Course Readiness Assessment and scoring above the ABE level. Community resources may be available to assist the student in improving these skills. Students are also assessed in their classes by faculty who use the results to guide instruction. In addition, students will participate in assessment by providing evidence of their learning. As a part of these assessment activities, students will be asked to complete a number of surveys which, in part, ask about our programs and services. Student responses help the College identify areas that need improvement. Our surveys also ask about changes in students' attitudes, opinions, plans and self-perceptions. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in a focus group or structured interview to help us determine how their experiences at Normandale are affecting them. Preparation for the Course Readiness Assessment Several resources are available to assist students in preparing for the Normandale Course Readiness Assessment:
Note: Research suggests that students who have not recently taken a mathematics course may not perform well on the math section of the Course Readiness Assessment. Therefore, students who have not recently taken a mathematics course are strongly encouraged to complete math review materials or courses before taking the Course Readiness Assessment. Course Readiness Assessment Waivers Normandale's Course Readiness Assessment measures a student's reading, writing and mathematical skills. Normandale's courses in reading, English and mathematics require completion of the Course Readiness Assessment or approval of a waiver before students can register for courses in those disciplines. Certain other courses at Normandale may also require completion of the Course Readiness Assessment or approval of a waiver before a student can register for the course. Details on course requirements and prerequisites are available in the individual course descriptions. All new entering students at Normandale are required to take the Course Readiness Assessment unless:
Note: This is a one-time, one-semester option. Students may register in future semesters by completing the Course Readiness Assessments and attending an Advising and Registration session. Transfer students who have taken college-level coursework at a regionally accredited college or university may have already satisfied some or all of the assessment requirements. However, they must submit official college transcripts of their college-level coursework to obtain a course readiness waiver. See the section entitled "Transfer Students from Accredited Colleges and Universities" for complete information. Students interested in possible waivers from the Course Readiness Assessment must submit ACT, SAT, Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, COMPASS, ACCUPLACER (CPT), ASSET or DTLS results to the Office of Admissions at the time they apply for admission. Reading and writing assessment scores and subject area scores are valid if taken within three calendar years, inclusive of the current year, and mathematics scores are valid for two calendar years, inclusive of the current calendar year. An ACT sub score of 24 or above or an SAT score of 550 or above in mathematics, English or reading exempts a student from taking the Course Readiness Assessment in that academic skill area and places the student in the introductory college-level course in that academic subject. Retaking the Course Readiness Assessment Students who are dissatisfied with any of their Course Readiness Assessment scores may retest in each section once in every 12 month period and on a space-available basis. There is a fee of $10 for retaking each section of the assessment. If students are dissatisfied with their retest scores, they may appeal their Course Readiness Assessment by completing a Readiness Appeal form. Readiness Appeal forms are available from the Office of Admissions. The student must provide appropriate documentation to support the appeal. The student will be contacted by faculty from the appropriate discipline to schedule an appointment, if necessary. The designated faculty will determine final course placement. |