Autumn 2003 Activity : Making the Decision About the Writing Assessment

At ACT, we have always considered it our mission to offer services that colleges and universities need and want. Our own research has revealed that not every institution wants a national standardized writing test. By offering the ACT Writing Test as an option, we provide a flexible solution rather than impose a single approach on all students and institutions.

So, how should your institution go about making this decision? After talking with many administrators, we have compiled a series of key questions for your consideration.

What are your current policies for using a writing assessment on campus for admission and course placement? What is your rationale for using a writing assessment? How successful has it been in helping you make good admissions and placement decisions about students?
We recognize that you already have policies and practices in place that serve your institutional needs, but now is a good time to review those policies and practices.

Do you have or need validity evidence to support your current policies? Who conducts your validity studies?
If there is little validity evidence supporting your use of a writing assessment, we can assist with local studies or conduct course placement and prediction research, using your institution’s data. Institutional data can include scores on the ACT English Test as well as performance on any locally developed direct measures of writing. We can provide free course placement analyses for your current writing courses. Contact us to learn more about participating in these services.

If you are not currently using a writing test and you choose to add ACT’s Writing Test, how will you use the results?
Institutional uses of ACT test results vary. Some institutions use them for admissions, others for course placement, and others to inform both decisions. Given the potential of adding new information, we recommend that you review how ACT’s Writing Test can best support the needs of your institution.

What information can we provide to assist you in your internal review?
We can offer assistance through our Course Placement, Prediction Research, Class Profile, and Retention Studies services. There is no charge for these services. Please call (319) 337-1726 for information about how to take advantage of these services.