University Center Proficiency Exam Workshop

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University CenterProficiency Exam Workshop

• Standardized test and Skill Preparation
• Fall Semester 2009

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What it is

• BOR Policy Requirement for all degree seeking
  students in the Regental system
• The CAAP test The Collegiate Assessment of
  Academic Proficiency
• Developed by ACT
• 32/48 credit requirement for A.S. and Bachelors
  respectively.

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Why it is

• Increases the strength of the academics received
  at state institutions
• Allows comparison of students nationwide and
  statewide
• Requires faculty to build on strengths and to
  identify weaknesses

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The When The Where (Full Test)

• Friday, November 6, 2009
• 100 pm to 500 pm
• University Center North
• Room 250 253
• Saturday, November 7, 2009
• 900am-100pm
• University Center North
• Room 250 253

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The When The Where (Re-Test)

• Tuesday, October 27, 2009
• Start Time 500pm
• University Center North
• Room 261
• Wednesday, October 28, 2009
• Start time 900am
• University Center North
• Room 162
• Note You will be allowed to leave after you
  have completed the test(s) you are re-taking.

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The When The Where (ESL Re-Test)

• Thursday, October 29, 2009
• Start Time 900am
• University Center North
• Room 162
• Note You will be allowed to leave after you have
  completed the test(s) you are re-taking.

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Test Sign-up

• You must register for the exam online.
• Access the registration site through University
  Centers website www.sduniversitycenter.org
• Go to current students
• The Proficiency Testing link is on the left
  hand side of the page

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The Day of the Exam

• Bring the following items
• Valid Drivers License or other valid picture ID
• 3 sharpened 2 pencils
• Eraser
• Wristwatch (if preferred)
• Calculator
• Not necessary to perform the functions on the
  exam, but it is allowed.

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Required Item for Exam Day

• A Valid Drivers License
• or
• Other Valid Picture ID

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What NOT to Bring on Exam Day

• All ELECTRONIC devices that have alarms and
  cannot be turned OFF put away

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What NOT to Bring on Exam Day

• We will request the following items to be
  switched off placed away from your person
• Laptops
• Cell Phones
• Pagers
• Pocket Organizers
• Handhelds
• Magazines, Books, Newspapers..

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Test Day Format

• Comprised of Four Sections
• Writing Skills
• 72 Questions _at_ 40 minutes
• Math
• 35 Questions _at_ 40 minutes
• 15 Minute Break (MUST be back on time!)
• Reading
• 36 Questions _at_ 40 minutes
• Science Reasoning
• 45 Questions _at_ 40 minutes

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The Writing Skills Test

• 72 item test consists of six prose passages, each
  of which is accompanied by a set of twelve
  multiple-choice questions.
• Approximate time for each question 30 sec.

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The Writing Skills Test Cont

• The test will cover the following aspects of
  writing
• Grammar
• Punctuation (ownership, semicolon etc.)
• Subject/Verb Agreement
• Verb Tense
• Wording
• Moving a phrase
• Content (tone, development, adding and deleting,
  main idea)

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The Math Skills Test

• The 35 item content areas tested include
  pre-algebra algebra geometry and trigonometry.
  
• Two sub-scores, Basic Algebra and College Algebra
  are reported along with a total score.

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Reading Test

• See the following website for sample questions
  www.act.org/caap/sample/reading2.html

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The Science Reasoning Test

• 45 item test
• See the following sites for test preparation
  aides
• http//www.act.org/caap/sample/science.html

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The Information Literacy Exam

• You will be informed of the need to take this
  exam from your home school

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Test Tips

• Pace yourself
• Find the best compromise between speed and
  accuracy
• Answer sheet management
• make sure you are in the correct section when you
  start the test.

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Test Tips Cont

• Guessing
• Not penalized on the CAAP
• Attempt to eliminate wrong choices
• Do not leave any blank as any questions not
  answered will be counted as wrong.

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Test Tips Cont

• Resources
• USD website
• http//www.usd.edu/academics/academic-affairs/eval
  uation-and-assessment.cfm
• SDSU Website
• http//www.sdstate.edu/academics/academic_affairs/
  aea/index.cfm
• DSU Website
• http//www.dsu.edu/academics/assessment/testing-se
  rvices/proficiency-testing.aspx

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Test Tips Cont

• Resources
• CAAP website www.act.org/caap/index.html
• ACT prep books, software, videos, and software.
• Math help
• www.math.com
• www.homepages.dsu.edu/palmerj/aerobics/Questionspa
  ge.htm
• www2.yk.psu.edu/learncenter/acskills/math.html

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English as a Second Language

• Online English tutorial
• http//eslus.com/LESSONS/READING/READ.HTM

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Disability Services

• If you have a disability that may cause you some
  difficulty in accomplishing the exam, please meet
  with the Student Services Coordinator immediately
  to ensure proper services for your needs.

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Conclusion

• Results
• Arrive in 4-6 weeks
• If not passing
• Development plans
• Re-testing
• Alternative Certification

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Thank you Good Luck!