Mandatory Assessment/Placement Policy

The Mathematics Division is pleased to announce that we are taking steps to improve student success and retention. Research has shown that a major indicator of student success is proper course placement. To that end, effective Spring 2010, the Mathematics Division will be implementing new mandatory assessment and placement procedures for all students who have not previously taken a mathematics course at Cuesta College.

Mathematics course placement will be determined by multiple measures. The measures are assessed skill level via the Accuplacer Mathematics Test, past academic achievement such as grade in the prerequisite course and GPA, and the time elapsed since the prerequisite course was taken (recency). Students will be placed not more than one level below their prerequisite entitlement.

Exceptions:

• Students will be exempt from the process if they have received an appropriate mathematics score on the EAP, passed the AP Statistics or Calculus AB exam with a score of 3 or higher, or have taken the prerequisite course work at another college.
  

Students who have taken the prerequisite course work at another college more than three semesters prior are strongly encouraged to take the Accuplacer Math Test in order to be given a recommended course placement. For more information on assessment, please refer to the following resources:

• Assessment Services Web Site
• Alternatives to Assessment Testing
• Mathematics Placement Flow Chart
• Mathematics Access Grid

Need some help getting ready for your Math Placement Test?

The Academic Support Lab in Bldg. 3300 is available to students preparing to take the Math assessment test. Open Monday through Thursday 9am - 4pm, students are welcome to brush up on their Math skills utilizing PLATO courseware. Questions? Visit the PLATO Courseware web page or contact Margie at 546-3929.

Another excellent resource for students who need to review before taking the Math assessment is ALEKS, an online program offering math review courses for a nominal fee. Click on "Course Products" and then scroll down to "Higher Education" and choose the appropriate prep course.