ACCUPLACER: College Placement Exam

The ACCUPLACER is used by many colleges for placement into Math and English.
Passing these tests is important in order to avoid non-credit remediation classes.
The title link goes to a page with a pdf of sample questions for both Math and English.

Tips for the ACCUPLACER:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/accuplacer-tips.html

Core Standards for Math

http://www.corestandards.org/

This is an interesting initiative supported by many governors, the College Board and Achieve in a quest to form national standards.

Brain Fitness for Success Link

Brain Fitness for Success at the College Board Forum 2009
http://www.collegeboard.com/events/forum/2009/homepage/index.html
Forum 2009: Education and the American Future
New York City October 21-23, 2009

While students would like relevant content, they often view the classic high school math curriculum (algebra, geometry, trigonometry) as the least applicable topics of their courses. However, quantitative reasoning can improve metacognition (thinking about thinking) and is an excellent way to boost knowledge and skills. Participants will discuss the concept of brain fitness, with special attention to how math can enhance critical thinking, problem solving and confidence. Participants will develop strategies and identify opportunities to implement the brain fitness perspective to foster student commitment and to improve their college access and success.
Speaker(s): Robin Schwartz, Adjunct Professor, College of Mount Saint Vincent; Founder, Math Confidence, New York

Brain Fitness for Success at College Board Forum

Title: Brain Fitness for Success
Description: While students would like relevant content, they often view the classic high school math curriculum (algebra, geometry, trig) as the least applicable topics of their courses. However, quantitative reasoning can improve metacognition (thinking about thinking) and is an excellent way to boost knowledge and skills. Participants will discuss the concept of “brain fitness,” with special attention to how math can enhance critical thinking, problem solving and confidence. Participants will develop strategies and identify opportunities to implement the “brain fitness” perspective to foster student commitment and to improve their college access and success.

Presenter: Robin Schwartz, Adjunct Professor, College of Mount St Vincent; Founder, Math Confidence, New York
Thursday 10/22/09, New York City

College Board's Forum 2009: Education and the American Future
New York City October 21-23, 2009

CLEP vs AP Exams

An unheralded College Board product are the CLEPs.
(College Level Examination Program)

Questions for colleges:
Do they accept AP credit?
Do students get the credits or does it just place them into a higher-level course? The CLEP is accepted as college credit at many institutions and has not been publicized -- it is an inexpensive way to earn college credits.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html

There are four Math CLEPs -- College Algebra, College Mathematics, Precalculus and Calculus. Each study guide is $10 and is downloadable directly from the College Board's web site.
http://store.collegeboard.com/catalog.do?category=298&categoryName=CLEP%AE&secondCategory=305&secondCatName=Science%20%26%20Mathematics