Why Use an MAA Placement Test?
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 Student success. Today's students arrive with a wide range
of backgrounds in mathematics. Correct placement ensures higher success
rates for students.
Students are more satisfied with the education they are receiving, and
instructors can focus on teaching the content of the course instead of
dealing with ill-prepared
students. Institutions can plan appropriate levels of courses and be confident
that they are meeting students' needs.
Created by experts. MAA placement test items are written and MAA placement tests are constructed by panels of college mathematics teachers who are directly involved with teaching students the courses served by the placement tests. Final approval for each test comes from the MAA after reviewing the results of extensive pilot testing.
Statistically rigorous and validated. Before a test can become an MAA placement
test, it is first administered at select institutions. The results undergo
detailed analysis, with modifications and further trials as required.
High content validity. MAA placement tests have high content validity in the judgement of college faculty members who either helped construct the tests or piloted the tests at their institutions. For three decades, many mathematics departments have found the tests reliable and valid for appropriately placing students in entry level mathematics courses. The tests assess simple computational and manipulative skills in unrehearsed contexts as well as understanding of fundamental concepts needed for success in introductory mathematics courses.
Trusted for decades. Started in 1977, MAA placement tests are used by hundreds
of institutions throughout the U.S.
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