“Did I pass?”, asks the student.
Testing employee responds, “Placement exams are not pass fail. Placement tests assist the college in making sure you are placed into the appropriate class. It looks like you placed into MAT 09X, ENG 101, and are reading exempt.”
“Can I take the test again?”
“Yes, students must wait 24 hours between the 1st and 2nd attempt and 3 months before taking the test a third time.”
“What can I do to improve my scores?”
“We have practice questions, an in-person test prep workshop, and a phone app that can help bring forward prior knowledge”
This is a common conversation that Testing Services employees have with students completing placement exams. We have the difficult job of being realistic & responsive, providing hope, and encouraging students to enroll in classes. In this moment a person is more than the results and course placement. In these moments students may be questioning their ability to succeed, wondering why they have so many college prep classes to take, or feeling defeated and rejected.
In this moment, Testing Services is more than just administering a test. We are human. We feel what the student feels. We wish the student met their goal. We want to see the student succeed. We want the student to know that GCC is here for them. We want to see the student come back for retesting, start classes, and persist. When we see a student struggle through a setback, it is a reminder that we are not defined by scores and numbers.
In these moments, we let the student know that we see and hear them. We let the student know there is hope. We manage our fears so they do not become the students. We stand strong, tall, and confidently. By doing this we respond to a challenge by providing support. We embrace our humanity.
Placement testing tells us what we know and what we don’t know. It helps students learn where to begin their college journey. Testing evokes feelings. Placement Testing is more than greeting a student, telling them where to place their belongings, selecting a computer or desk, setting up the exam, and printing results. Testing is a human experience.
Tiffany,
I feel the positive energy in your post and I know those good vibes reside in the testing center too. Your kind, caring message made me smile. I remember being a GCC student. I felt like this entire campus wrapped it’s arms around me. I felt all the positive vibes…I knew that GCC wanted me to succeed. That’s why I’m so glad to work here now. I want to contribute to student success.