Alternative Testing Accommodations for Placement Test
If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for alternative accommodations when you take HCCC's Placement Test (ASSET), such as extended time, separate location, reading or writing assistance.
If you are eligible to receive alternative accommodations, it is your responsibility to request and send current documentation (includes IEP, 504 Plan, most recent psychoeducational evaluation and any appropriate medical records). A psychoeducational evaluation must be included! Send these documents to the College Academic Support Center at least one week before the Registration Day. High school records are not automatically sent to HCCC without your consent. Documentation should be sent to the Special Services Coordinator, College Academic Support Center, HCCC, Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY 13350.
All documentation will be reviewed to determine appropriateness of the requested accommodation(s).
If you are a student requesting alternative testing accommodations, you MUST call the Special Services Coordinator to make reservations for your placement testing date.
(315) 866-0300, Ext. 8331 or 1-888-464-4222, Ext. 8331
ASSET contents
ACT's ASSET test is given for math and reading comprehension. Student writing is assessed by a 30 minute writing sample, which is then read by a team of HCCC English faculty.
Beginning in November, Herkimer County Community College offers convenient opportunities every week to take the placement test and register early for Summer or Fall classes.
On Registration Days, students are encouraged to bring their parents to tour the campus and housing areas, get answers to all their questions about admissions, financial aid and programs of study, take the placement test and register for classes. Other days offer a choice of morning, afternoon or evening times to simply take the placement test and register for classes. Students may reserve a seat to test and register on any date by calling (315) 866-0300 Ext. 8278.
Assessment of Skills For Successful Entry and Transfer (ASSET)
Note:
Regular Admit Students must take the following sections of the test: Reading Skills, Numerical Skills, Elementary Algebra and a thirty minute writing sample.
The federal government requires that Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) students must take the Writing Skills, Reading Skills and Numerical Skills sections of the ASSET and pass with approved qualifying scores. In addition, the college will also administer Elementary Algebra and a thirty minute writing sample for placement purposes only.
General Tips for Taking the ASSET
1. Relax! The ASSET tests are designed to help you succeed in school. Your score helps you and your institution determine which courses are most appropriate for your current level of knowledge and skills. Once you identify your academic strengths and weaknesses, you can get the help you need to improve underdeveloped skills before they can interfere with your learning.
2. You will be able to concentrate better on the test if you get plenty of rest and eat properly prior to the test. You should also arrive a few minutes early so you can find the testing area, bathrooms, etc., and to ensure that you have time to find satisfactory seating, sharpen pencils and gather your thoughts before the test begins.
3. Be sure you understand the directions for each test before that test session begins. Ask questions if you need to.
4. Pace yourself. You have 25 minutes to answer all questions. Note the time when you start the test, and check the time periodically to keep yourself "on schedule." Questions usually get increasingly harder, so you need to allow more time for later questions.
5. Answer the easier questions first, and skip over the more difficult ones. Be sure that you mark the appropriate item number on the answer sheet, so you can come back to the difficult items later. You can put a light check mark on the answer sheet next to any you skip over as long as you erase any stray marks after you have returned to that item and answered it. Do not make any marks in the test booklet.
6. Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking. If answering an item requires several steps, be sure you consider them all.
7. Be sure to answer every item. You are not penalized for guessing. Your score will provide more useful placement information if you answer every item, even if you must guess.
8. If time is available, go back and check you work on the test after you have answered all items. Don't be afraid to change an answer if you believe that your first choice was wrong.
9. Be sure that you mark the space that corresponds to the answer you have selected for each item. Darken the space completely. If you change your mind about an answer, be sure to erase any stray marks on your answer sheet.
10. If you have a problem or question during the test, raise your hand, and the test administrator or proctor will help you. Although they cannot answer test questions for you, they can help you with other types of problems ( e.g. a broken pencil, etc.).
Tips for Specific ASSET tests
Writing Skills
1. Determine the intended meaning of each paragraph before trying to answer items in that paragraph.
2. Substitute each alternative into the appropriate underlined portion for each item, and select the one that fits best with the meaning of the paragraph.
Reading Skills
1. Read the entire passage carefully before trying to answer any items.
2. Reread appropriate sections of the passage as needed to answer specific items.
3. Read a few sentences before and after the appropriate sections of a passage to be sure that you understand the context.
Numerical Skills and Advanced Mathematics
1. Read each item stem carefully, and examine all supporting information (e.g. tables and graphics) to be sure you understand each question.
2. Solve each problem before you look at the alternatives.
3. Find your solution among the listed alternatives.
4. If your answer is not among the listed alternatives, check your work.
5. For some items, "Not given" may be the correct alternative.
6. Use the scratch paper provided to do your calculations on the Numerical Skills test. NOTE: Calculators are NOT PERMITTED on the Numerical Skills test.
7. IMPORTANT NOTE: Calculators ARE PERMITTED for the three Advanced Mathematics tests: Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, and College Algebra. See the "Calculator Guidelines under ASSET to make sure your calculator is permitted.
Sample Tests
Guidelines For Use of Calculators
EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2000:
CALCULATORS WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE ALGEBRA SECTION OF THE ASSET PLACEMENT TEST. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING OWN CALCULATOR AND ENSURING THAT THE CALCULATOR IS WORKING PROPERLY.
Guidelines:
- Examinees may use four-function, scientific or graphing calculators, except as specified below. (See “Not Allowed” specifications.)
- Calculators with mathematical formulas or pre-printed instructions for use of the calculator on the cover are permitted.
- Spare batteries or a spare calculator are permitted. No examinee may use more than one calculator at a time, however.
- Models with paper tapes are permitted, provided that the paper is removed.
- Models with sound function are permitted, but sound must be turned off.
- Models that transfer data wirelessly with other calculators are permitted but must have masking tape placed over the infrared data port.
- Models with a power cord must be able to operate on battery power – no power outlets will be available at student desktops.
Not Allowed:
- Pocket organizers
- Handheld or laptop computers
- Electronic writing pads or pen-input devices (Note: the Sharp EL9600 is allowed)
- Models with QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboards
- Models with built-in capability to simplify algebraic expressions, multiply polynomials or factor polynomials (often designated Computer Algebra Systems). Specifically prohibited models: CFX-9970G, Casio Algebra fx2.0, TI89 and TI92
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with Disabilites
