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Community College Research Center + MDRC

College Course Placement Based on Multiple Measures Assessment: A Synthesis of Two Experimental Evaluations

December 31, 2024 Less than a 1-minute read
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This report synthesizes findings from two studies that compared the outcomes of standardized testing course placement to Multiple Measures Assessment (MMA) course placement. Around 40 percent of students who enter community college are thought to be academically underprepared for college-level coursework. Historically, colleges have used standardized testing to determine whether a student is ready for college-level work or requires developmental courses first. This research finds evidence that the use of MMA systems results in more accurate placements into college-level courses, eliminating the loss of time and money and addressing a systemic barrier affecting many learners.

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