College Placement Waivers based on OSAS test scores
In 2015, Oregon Community College Presidents and Oregon Public University Provosts agreed to incorporate Smarter Balanced (OSAS-English Language Arts and OSAS-Mathematics) test scores into their processes for placement into credit-bearing college courses. These agreements apply to high school students graduating in Oregon and entering Oregon’s 17 community colleges or seven public universities the following fall. The agreements were extended in 2018 to support continued improvement of score reporting.
Oregon community colleges and public universities may choose to waive placement testing if the student scored a 3 or 4 on Smarter Balanced assessments and met requirements for continued academic rigor during 12th grade.
The Oregon community college agreement requires that students successfully complete college-level credits in Mathematics and/or English during 12th grade (which could include dual credit, early college, local accelerated credit models, and exam achievement in AP or IB courses). The Oregon public university agreement requires that students complete an appropriate mathematics or English/Language Arts course in grade 12 (with a grade of B of better for those scoring 3). The agreements do not affect college admission, only first term placement in college level coursework, since eligible students will be exempt from taking the placement tests.
Through the adoption of these alignment agreements, Oregon’s community colleges and universities have affirmed the goals of both the adopted Oregon State Standards and the Smarter Balanced assessments—improved student learning throughout K-12 education that truly prepares students for success in college and/or career—and provided an incentive for students to take rigorous courses during the senior year. Continued learning in the senior year —preferably in college-level courses for those students who are ready, and in appropriate transition options for students who are almost ready— helps students to enter college with confidence and skills necessary to be successful.
For additional information in regard to this policy, please review the following web link.
