Placement test administration

A majority of programs reported using language placement tests when asked (Yes = 122, No = 42); of those programs, 87 reported using an locally developed test while 54 reported using a commercial or other externally developed test. (Note that some programs reported using both kinds). Details about test administration are shown in Table 6 through Table 11. Again note that many programs selected multiple answers on the questionnaire so the totals may exceed the number of programs reporting test use.

Table 6: Test frequency

Frequency	Responses
Only when needed	36
Several times a semester	30
Once a semester	20
Once a year to incoming students*	16
On demand/available on-line*	14
As needed*	5
Weekly*	1

*Write-in response

Table 7: Test registration process

Process	Responses
Mandatory participation	32
Department office	22
First-come, first-served	19
Admissions office	19
Testing office	13
Multimedia lab staff	9
Through appointment with advisor*	9
On-line*	7
Taken at orientation*	6
Test given during class time	5
Regionally delivered*	2

*Write-in response

Table 8: Test proctor

Proctor	Responses
Teachers	64
Testing office staff	21
Multimedia lab staff	16
Test delivered automatically/on-line*	13
Admissions office staff	11
Student help	11
Dept. Chair or staff*	5
Language coordinator*	1
LRC Director*	1
Placement director*	1

*Write-in response

Table 9: Test scoring

Scoring method	Responses
Teachers	66
Machine-scored	42
Scored automatically by computer*	14
Admissions office staff	9
Testing office staff	8
Multimedia lab staff	3
Student help	2
Dept. Chair or staff*	2
*Write-in response

Table 10: Communicating scores to students

Communication method	Responses
Teachers	52
Academic advisor	20
Scores are posted	20
Automatically generated/on-line*	14
Testing office staff	13
Admissions office staff	11
Dept. office staff*	8
1st year studies office*	4
Language coordinator*	2
*Write-in response

Table 11: Availability of retests

Times students can take test	Responses
Only once	69
Unlimited	27
Restest with special permission only	12
Not more than twice	9
Once per year*	2
Once per semester*	1
Once every three years*	1
Retests for suspicious scores*	1
*Write-in response