Document Type

Report

Publication Date

4-1-1992

Keywords

Math, Test scores, Grades, Courses

Abstract

Introduction In May, 1991, the Office of Institutional Assessment and Testing (OIAT) published a report that summarized analyses conducted to explore the relationship of the three levels of the Math Placement Test (MPT)--Basic Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, and Pre-Calculus-¬ with mathematics course selection and final mathematics course grade. Based on the MPT score, the probability of receiving a passing grade (C- or better) was computed for the majority of mathematics courses that a student may enroll in immediately after taking the MPT. Partly as a result of that report, in the fall, 1991, cut-off scores for admittance to certain mathematics courses were readjusted to more appropriately reflect the needs and abilities of students at WWU. This report will follow-up that earlier analysis in order to assay the effectiveness of those new MPT cut-off scores. Again, the probability of receiving a passing grade (C- or better) will be computed; however, unlike that first report, this year's sample will include only Native students who enrolled in the Fall of 1991. By default, these are students who have both taken the MPT and enrolled in a mathematics course since the MPT score readjustment. Students fitting the criteria produced a sample size of 822; however, a first analysis of the data revealed some irregularities. Consequently, students who had dropped out of the course were dropped from the sample. It is possible that some of the students may have been failing the course; there could just as well be any number of other reasons for dropping. Ultimately, here was no way to satisfactorily account for them; hence, all samples in this report will consist of students who completed the mathematics courses. The elimination of those students who dropped out generated a final, usable sample size of 737.

Identifier

465

Publisher

Digital object produced by Office of Survey Research, Western Washington University, and made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Mathematical ability--Testing; Mathematics--Examinations, questions, etc.; Educational tests and measurements

Title of Series

Technical and research reports (Western Washington University. Office of Institutional Assessment and Testing) ; 1992-03

Genre/Form

Reports

Type

Text

Rights

This resource is provided for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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