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Assessment of Student Academic Achievement
Fairmont State employs a variety of assessment processes to inform students of progress in courses and clinical experience and toward degrees, to analyze programs in order to make appropriate curricular changes, and to determine institutional effectiveness. The university follows policies of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, policies of specific academic and professional accrediting bodies, and its own governing board.
In addition to regular course examinations and presentations, assessments used include field tests of proficiency in the major; electronic portfolios; capstone projects; internships; clinical practice reviews; and juried performances. Some programs, such as nursing and teacher education, also require nationally normed entrance and exit examinations. All degree programs analyze and review their effectiveness every five years, reporting this information to the WVHEPC and the Fairmont State Board of Governors. Programs also engage in an annual review process to assess the effectiveness of academic programs and learning experiences. The institution reports its overall progress to the HLC every ten years.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Students who wish to obtain credit by examination should check with the Center for Workforce Education for test availability by calling (304) 367-4920 or (304) 367-7254.
Placement Testing
In order for you and your advisors to create a schedule that best meets your academic abilities and prepares you for the academic requirements of your program, you may be required to take certain assessments in math and/or English. Your test results may require that you enroll in one or more corequisite courses. Completing these required courses in your first semester(s) will help to ensure your greatest chance of success in college. All assessments are free of charge. For information regarding placement testing, please contact the Tutoring Center.
Core Academic Skills for Educators Test (CORE)
Students must earn passing scores on all three sections (reading, mathematics, and writing) in order to be admitted to Teacher Education. Other requirements exist for admission to Teacher Education. Applicants must register for a test administration date online at: www.ets.org/praxis. Information is available in the Teacher Certication Office at 345 Education Building. You can also contact Joyce Rose.
PRAXIS II Specialty Area Exams and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Tests
Students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education are required to take these tests and to achieve the minimum acceptable score for each teaching specialization and developmental level in order to be recommended for licensure. Students normally should take the Specialty Area Exams during the semester prior to their student teaching semester. The PLT exam should be taken during the final semester of their senior year. Applicants must register for a test administration date online at: www.ets.org/praxis. Information is available in the Teacher Certification Office at 340 Education Building or by contacting Joyce Rose.
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