University CenterProficiency (CAAP)

Exam WorkshopStandardized Test and

Skill PreparationFall Semester 2012

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

What It Is

Increases the strength of academics received at state institutions

Allows comparison of students nationwide and statewide

Requires faculty to build on strengths and to identify weaknesses

Why It Is

Friday, November 2, 20121:00 pm—5:00 p.m.University CenterRooms 247, 250 and 253 (FADM)

Saturday, November 3, 20129:00 am—1:00 p.m.University CenterRooms 247, 250 and 253 (FADM)

The When and The Where (full test)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012Start Time: 5:00 pmUniversity Center, Avera Hall (FADM)

Wednesday, October 24, 2012Start Time: 9:00 amUniversity Center, Room 149 (FADM)

**Note: You will be allowed to leave after you have completed the test(s) you are retaking.

The When and The Where (Re-test)

Thursday, October 25, 2012Start time: 9:00 amUniversity Center, Room 149 (FADM)

**Note: You will be allowed to leave after you have completed the test(s) you are retaking.

The When and The Where (ESL Re-test)

You must register for the exam:Online-

Access the registration site through University Center’s website: www.sduniversitycenter.org/proficiency

Test Sign-Up

Bring the following items:

Valid driver’s license or 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.

The Day of the Exam

We will request all electronic devices be turned off and put away or left at home

Do not bring magazines, books, newspapers

You are not allowed to read during testing time even if you are finished early

What NOT to bring on Exam Day

Comprised of 4 sectionsWriting Skills

72 questions at 40 minutesMath

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

Test Day Format

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 seconds

The Writing Skills Test

The test will cover the following aspects of writing:

GrammarPunctuation (ownership, semicolon, etc.)Subject/verb agreementVerb tenseWordingMoving a phraseContent (tone, developing, adding and deleting, main idea)

The Writing Skills Test (continued)

The 35 item content areas tested include Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry.

Two subscores - Basic Algebra and College Algebra are reported along with a total score.

The Math Skills Test

36 item test

4 passages

Test on referring skills and reasoning skills

The Reading Test

45 item test

Scientific reasoning

The Science Reasoning Test

Pace yourselfFind the best compromise between speed and accuracy

Answer Sheet ManagementMake sure you are in the correct section when you start the test

GuessingNot penalized on the CAAPAttempt to eliminate wrong choicesDo not leave any blank as any questions not answered will be

counted as wrong

Test Tips

Resources

DSU website:http://www.dsu.edu/academics/assessment/testing-services/proficiency-testing.aspx

SDSU website:http://sdstate.edu/aea/proficiency-exams/index.cfm

USD website:http://www.usd.edu/academics/academic-affairs/evaluation-and-assessment.cfm

Test Tips (continued)

Resources

CAAP website:www.act.org/caap/index.html (website)http://www.act.org/caap/sampletest (sample test booklets)

Math helpwww.math.com

Test Tips (continued)

Online English Tutorialhttp://eslus.com/LESSONS/READING/READ.HTM

English as a Second Language

If you have a disability that may cause you some difficulty in accomplishing the exam, please contact UC’s Student Services Coordinator, Jennifer Schelske, right away to ensure proper services for your needs.

Jennifer SchelskeStudent Services Coordinator605-367-8465jennifer.schelske@SDUniversitycenter.org

Disability Services

ResultsArrive in 4 to 6 weeksScores will be posted in Web Advisor under test summary

If some of the sections are not passing:Development plansRe-testingAlternative certification

Conclusion