Lincoln Land Community College joins other innovative colleges across the country in introducing a new method of placing students in the correct level of college-level courses. Beginning with the fall 2019 semester, new LLCC students will be placed in appropriate classes based on “multiple measures,” primarily their high school grade point average (GPA).

“LLCC will be using a true multiple measures approach to placement, with cumulative high school GPA as the primary measure, amongst others, to gauge students’ readiness for college-level coursework,” said Dr. Vern Lindquist, vice president of academic services at LLCC. “This innovation is based on nationwide research that indicates high school GPA is the best predictor of success in college-level courses.”

“We are among the first community colleges in Illinois to implement this proven method for course placement and student success,” said Lindquist.

He explained that in contrast to a one-time placement test score, the cumulative high school GPA is a multiple measure that includes a wide array of high school coursework, learning opportunities, an extended timespan, and varied learning modalities to predict a student’s readiness for college-level coursework.

“The use of multiple measures is a welcomed approach for determining college readiness for both math and English placement,” said Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Springfield Public School District 186. “It de-emphasizes one assessment and provides a more holistic viewpoint for LLCC to consider in their college placement decisions.”

“Based on our cutting edge new formula, which is backed up by nationwide studies, more entering students will be placed into college-level English and math classes,” said Lindquist. “Students needing assistance in these classes will have access to additional academic services to ensure their success.”

Research shows that even for “non-traditional” students who have been away from school for a while, the high school GPA is a more effective indicator of college readiness than a standardized test score. Lindquist added that students, in consultation with their LLCC advisors, may still choose to take the Accuplacer test in lieu of using their high school GPA.

 More details and frequently asked questions on LLCC’s innovative new multiple measures placement are available at www.llcc.edu/multiple-measures.

Michael Phelon, coordinator, Open Door Mentorship Program, and Yves Doumen, Open Door participant, were interviewed April 3 and 4 for an upcoming feature in the State Journal-Register. Yves is participating in a job shadowing experience at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. He is learning about the business side of running a hospital and hospital administration, and had the opportunity yesterday to interview HSHS St. John’s Interim CEO EJ Kuiper.

I would like to thank everyone for the emails, cards, texts and phone calls I received following the passing of my mother, Virginia Melton. Thank you also to everyone that came to her visitation and funeral. It truly meant a lot to me. Thank you to the Foundation, The Board of Trustees, Faculty and Staff for the beautiful plant you sent. I appreciate your support during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Shawn Allen
Student Records Evaluator

Michael J. Kaiser, VALIC sr. financial advisor, will be on campus Tuesday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the VP Conference Room. He will be on site for 30-minute account reviews to help employees understand options and new enrollments. To register go to my.VALIC.com/seminars and enter registration code 2206SPR11AA.

For fall 2019, the common hour will be 3:30-4:45 p.m. Classes will not be scheduled during this time so cross divisional meetings can take place.

A retirement celebration for Tammy Chrisler, data centralization specialist, will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10 in the Robert H. Stephens Room. Come have some refreshments and wish Tammy a happy retirement after 32 years at LLCC!

Tara DeMink, ESL instructor, adult education and literacy, was named Best Teacher in the SJ-R Readers’ Choice Awards.

The U.S. flag and the state flag are being flown at half-staff until sunset Wednesday, April 3 in honor and remembrance of Illinois State Police Trooper Brooke Jones-Story.

LLCC has been announced as the Best College/University for the fourth year in a row in the State Journal-Register’s Readers’ Choice Awards! Please add this graphic to your email signature to help spread the word.

Join us in giving Terri Hinrichs, recruitment coordinator, best wishes on her retirement. Stop by her office (Menard 0017) this afternoon, March 29, after 2 p.m. to wish her well!