Skip to content
Where to Begin? The Evolving Role of Placement Exams for Students Starting College

May 16, 2018

At a Glance

Research has cast doubt on the validity of using placement tests to determine if incoming students are college ready, and the nation has since debated whether such tests are actually a barrier to college completion. This JFF report offers clarity.

For years, colleges have used placement exams to determine whether to deem incoming students “college ready” or assign them to developmental education. But emerging research has cast doubt on the practice, sparking national debates over whether the tests are fair and if their traditional use constitutes a barrier to college completion. 

JFF brings clarity to the discussion in this report. Where to Begin? helps state and college leaders understand the latest research, make sense of the contentious debate issues, and most importantly, evaluate their own options for moving forward.

Related Content

Leadership Academy
Impact Story

Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy connects and supports a network of community leaders, building an understanding of future work and learning trends, and creating opportunities for reflection and design of whole-community strategies that best prepare young residents…

June 19, 2020
Postsecondary Network
Impact Story

Postsecondary Network

Reforming math in Florida, ensuring equity in Washington, boosting student support in Michigan, partnering with the workforce system in New Jersey—JFF’s renowned network advances policies and practices that help all students attain high-value credentials. Reforming…

April 18, 2018
Policy Leadership Trust
Project

Policy Leadership Trust

This select group of education leaders lets experience be their guide in developing state and federal policies that help students attain credentials for greater success in the labor market. In 2015, JFF established The Policy…

May 7, 2018