Placement test, remediation courses and their effect on students achievements and retention in math and science

In this paper we analyze the outputs of the Placement Test for wide range of campuses and years and respective results in followed math classes both in terms of grades earned and retention rates. The paper outlines current “state of the art” in the area and introduces an extensive data collected, together with its discussion and interpretation. The paper considers an integrated approach for the whole sequence of math and science classes the student needs to take to succeed in her/his program. The paper analyzes both “typical” and “exceptional” bodies of data, separated based on two major criteria: accepting/rejecting Placement Test recommendations and consecutive performance.