Purpose and content of the assessment test: the purpose of the assessment test is to identify the reading, writing and math skill levels of LBCC students so that they will enroll in courses that are appropriate for their skill levels. There are four sections of the assessment tests. These sections are:      Reading Name of the test: Descriptive Tests of language skills (DTLS) in reading comprehension. This section of the test has 45 multiple choice questions and takes 45 minutes to complete. The test measures the student’s ability to understand what is read. Each question tests one of the following: Identifying word and /or phrase meaning through context Understanding literal and interpretive meaning Understanding the writers’ assumptions, opinions and tone

Writing

Name of the test: Descriptive Tests of Language Skills (DTLS) in Conventions of written English This section has 40 multiple choice questions and takes 35 minutes to complete. The purpose of this section is to determine how familiar the student is with standard written English through the identification of problems in sentences. Each question tests one of the following: Maintaining Consistency Using Standard Forms of English Connecting Ideas Appropriately

Math

Name of the test: Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP) This section of the test has 3 different levels of tests from which the student must choose. One level is algebra readiness (50 questions) which measures a student’s basic mathematical skills, the next level is Elementary Algebra (50 questions) which measures a student’s basic algebra skills, and the third level is Intermediate Algebra (45 questions) which measures student’s higher level algebra skills. Each of these tests takes 45 minutes to complete. Students are not allowed to use calculators for any part of the test.

Essay

The final section involves writing an essay in response to a topic. The student has 40 minutes to complete the essay. Importance is placed on the student’s use of examples and/or details to support his/her opinions. If a student has limited English language skills, he/she is directed to take the LBCC ESL placement test. This test has 85 multiple choice questions which are divided into the following six components: listening comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, mechanics and usage, reading for information, and writing. This test is administered at PCC through the ESL Testing Department. Any student with an identified disability should contact the Disabled Student Services Program LAC 938-4558 PCC 938-3921.