The Student Learning Experience Coordinating Committee (SLECC) continues its efforts towards streamlining and improving the student experience. One SLECC work group focuses on providing better options for student placement, and over the past year has increased communication about multiple methods available for placement, including high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, Smarter Balanced, AP, IB and GED scores (see http://www.shoreline.edu/placement for more information).

Two NEW options will available on a limited basis starting December 4^th.

ALEKS for math
ALEKS is a computer-based assessment tool that also provides students an opportunity to practice and brush up on key competencies that will be used for placement into math classes. One practice test and up to four proctored placement tests are provided. ALEKS will use the results of students’ test attempts to identify topics and create an individualized learning module to help them review. The cost for ALEKS is $20 (payable on the ALEKS web site via credit/debit card or at the cashier).

Directed Self-placement for English
Directed Self-Placement (or DSP) is not a test, but a series of questions and tasks in which students reflect on their own skills and confidence related to reading and writing. Based on their responses, a recommendation is provided about the English course that would be best for them. Research has demonstrated that outcomes for students taking part in DSP are as good as or better than traditional testing methods. DSP is offered free of charge.

Timeline and plan
These tools have been piloted in several areas and starting December 4^th will be used more broadly for students who need placement in either English or Math.

Starting in March of 2018, these two tools will replace Accuplacer as the primary assessment methods for English and math, to be used only if alternate methods of placement such as high school transcripts, GED scores, AP/IB scores, or SAT/ACT scores are not available.

If you have questions about changes in placement, please contact Bayta Maring (bmaring@shoreline.edu), Derek Levy (dlevy@shoreline.edu), or Ali Zweifach (azweifach@shoreline.edu).