Multiple Measures
San Antonio College is now implementing Multiple Measures (MUM) as a placement tool for students in Math and English as part of a larger effort toward "placement reform." It's clear from years of research that standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and even the TSI Assessment we use, contain biases that preclude students from minoritized communities from scoring as high as their non-minoritized peers.* Multiple Measures have been used as a placement tool at other community colleges across the country long before the pandemic. Research shows that high school GPA along with other measures (cognitive and non-cognitive assessments) are better predictors than standardized tests of student success in college-level courses.
The use of Multiple Measures at San Antonio College began during COVID-19 when in-person testing options were not available. Indicators we use to place students include high school overall GPA, GED scores, and grades in high school English or Algebra II. Most students who were placed using Multiple Measures passed their courses and matriculated to the next course in the sequence. However, when a student does not pass the course with a C or better, or drops the course, they are required to take the TSI Assessment per state law.
Since Fall 2020, 401 students were placed into Math or English using Multiple Measures in a total of 1038 classes.
Multiple Measures FAQs
Multiple Measures are used for student placement and incorporate more than one indicator for assessment and placement.
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has approved student placement using Multiple Measures.
Multiple Measures are used in combination with a standardized placement assessment which is the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA).
Alamo Colleges District (ACD)’s Multiple Measures model considers many indicators, including:
- High School Grade Point Average (GPA)
- High School English and Math course grades
- College Prep for ACD’s Corequisite model
- STAAR EOC assessment
Students without any assessments available (transcripts unavailable-unable to take TSIA).
San Antonio College along with the other four colleges within the Alamo Colleges District is part of a pilot with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to use Multiple Measures in place of the TSI2 for placement in English and Math.
Enrollment Coaches or Certified Advisors work with a student to determine placement. This includes a review of academic history and a conversation with the student to determine comfort level with recommended courses. The Certified Advisor or Enrollment Coach may consult with department chairs on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the student is placed appropriately.
Continue to encourage students to seek academic support services within the tutoring centers across campus. Students may also be experiencing distractions outside of school and can be referred to the appropriate college office for additional support.
If the student does not successfully pass the course with a C or better, they will schedule to take the TSI2 exam with our Assessment office located on the 1st floor of the Fletcher Administration Building. The Office of Assessment reviews mid-term grades and begins outreach to students to alert them to the possibility of needing to take the TSI.
Currently, our English Language Learners are not eligible to be placed using Multiple Measures. Otherwise, all students enrolling are being placed using Multiple Measures.
Students have a HOLD placed on their account to prevent future term registration. Staff verify students’ success in ENGL and/or MATH before the hold is removed. Students receive communication from the Assessment Office with their next steps. If you have students who have an active hold and need assistance, please refer them to the Assessment Office at the first floor of FAB.
* For more information on Multiple Measures:
https://share.alamo.edu/as/SitePages/Multiple-Measures.aspx?web=1