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.