A 10-YEAR LONGITUDINAL STUDY WAS UNDERTAKEN TO DETERMINE HOW CHANGE IS AFFECTED BY CURRICULUM, COMMUNITY, AND SCHOOL, AND BY THE STUDENTS' ABILITY, SEX, OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES, HOME LIFE, AND READING HABITS. IN 1961, A NATIONWIDE SAMPLE OF 32,000 CHILDREN IN GRADES 5, 7, 9, AND 11 TOOK A BATTERY OF TESTS. THERE HAVE BEEN PERIODIC RETESTINGS, TO BE…

This paper reports the results of a study conducted to examine the predictive validity of the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) in the Virginia Community College System. Subjects were students at Blue Ridge Community College enrolled in English 101, 102, 111, 112, and Psychology 201, 202, or 203 during one academic year. The NDRT (Form A) was…

A correlational study was conducted using ACT (American College Test) sub-test scores and actual grades earned in corresponding subject areas in order to determine if the ACT was an effective predictor for student's grades at Southern West Virginia Community College (SWVCC). Study subjects were all students (n= 241) who had ACT test scores on file…

A review of the literature indicates that the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) may be a viable instrument for screening students and predicting their academic success in particular circumstances. In 1981, a study was conducted at Schoolcraft College to determine the extent of the relationship between the reading abilities of entering students and…

Describes a study examining the usefulness of both comprehensive assessment models (utilizing computerized placement tests, high school grade point averages [GPAs] and rank, and student characteristics) and reduced models for predicting community college GPA. Suggests that comprehensive measures, including both academic and nonacademic variables,…

In 1989, Cochise College (CC) conducted a study to determine if a positive relationship existed between grade placement scores on the Nelson-Denny or Nelson reading comprehension examination and academic performance. The study population consisted of new or first-time CC students who were tested after May 1989. Placement scores for students who…

In 1987, Santa Barbara City College, California, received a grant to develop valid and culturally fair assessment procedures for placing students into appropriate level courses. Specifically, the project sought to: (1) determine faculty and student perceptions of the skills needed to succeed in entry-level college classes; (2) examine the…

In the summer of 1987, a project was undertaken by a consortium of eight California community colleges to develop valid and culturally fair assessment procedures for placing students into appropriate level courses. The specific objective of the project was to provide a guide to the state's community colleges for the development of these procedures…

A study was conducted to answer the following questions: (1) What intellectual abilities are essential in a successful vocational training program? (2) To what degree can intellectual abilities be used to predict successful job placement? and (3) To what degree does rationale of job preference affect successful job placement? The assessment…

Test batteries that predict first quarter freshman GPA's at an open-door predominantly black, urban, community college are reported in this study. Entering freshman performance on an academic aptitude test--College Qualification Tests (CQT), a reading skills test--Davis Reading Test (Davis), and a study habits and attitudes test--Survey of Study…

In forecasting its fall credit headcounts, the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis at Prince George's Community College (PGCC) utilizes the Component Yield Method (CYM), an enrollment projection model developed by the college's planning analyst in the early 1980's. By disaggregating enrolled students into multiple groups, each with an…

A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC) to provide data on the relationship of cumulative grade point average (GPA) and College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) performance. Because Florida community college students must be eligible for graduation in order to take the CLAST, the study focused mainly on MDCC students with…

As part of a one-year trial project, in fall 1981, Oakton College students who scored below 35 on the Educational Testing Service Test of Written Expression were not permitted to enroll in C101 (an introductory communications course) until they had successfully completed a developmental communications course or had retaken and passed the exam. To…

The American College Testing (ACT) Assessment Program is reviewed in this four-part report in terms of its use at North Harris County College (NHCC). Part I briefly reviews the contents of the four ACT tests: English Usage, Mathematics Usage, Social Studies Reading, and Natural Science Reading. It goes on to discuss the stability, limitations, and…

The purpose of this study was to present and evaluate Bayesian-type models for estimating probabilities of program completion and for predicting first quarter grade point averages of community college students entering certain allied health fields. Two Bayesian models were tested. Bayesian Model 1--Estimating Probabilities of Program…