ow to boost test scoresSeptember 19, 2011Dear Sir,Many high school graduates fail to place in college level courses!“When children fail, systems are deficient.” Asa G. Hilliard, 111, Ed.D.Several high school students perform well on the computerised placement tests at the Bermuda College. They take college level courses while still enrolled in high school. Many of our high school graduates, however, fail to perform satisfactorily on this test. They are placed in college prep or basic skills courses. The computerised placement tests, along with high school transcripts and a timed essay, is used to determine the level of English and mathematical skills of students. Appropriate courses are suggested.The following information is available through the Academic Resource Centre at the Bermuda College:* A brochure — ‘The Computerized Placement Tests Student Guide’* ‘Accuplacer Placement Testing: What you should know’* Computer placement test review books and practice materials* A list of websites that may also be of assistanceIn a study entitled, ‘One-shot Deal?: Students’ Perceptions of Assessment and Course Placement in California’s Community Colleges’, by Venezia, Bracco and Nodine research studies in California have found that, based on placement test results:* over 83 percent of incoming community college students place into remedial-level mathematics* 61 percent place two or more levels below college-level mathematics* 72 percent place into remedial-level English* 38 percent placing two or more levels below college-level English) (California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, 2009b).This research study also stated:* Many students experienced low expectations in high school. they often had low expectations themselves for what they could achieve academically.* Many students were uninformed about the assessments and unprepared for the content and format.* Many students did not know that practice tests were available.* Students placed in the basic skills classes felt frustrated. They would have to pay for a year or more of course work before they could register for college level courses. Many felt stuck or considered dropping out.* Fewer students, placed into basic skills courses, complete their intended educational path than do students placed in transfer-level courses.Shouldn’t assessment and placement be a part of a continuous process of learning that starts in middle or high school?Should there be intensive short-term approaches during the summer, evenings and Saturdays to accelerate the need for students to fill specific academic gaps and complete basic skills more quickly?DR MURIEL M WADE-SMITH PHDSmith’s