College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Math Solutions Center (MSC) and Testing Services have big news! Beginning Monday, Sept. 19, all math placement testing, including the Math Diagnostic and Math CASAS, will be conducted through the Math Solutions Centers, located in Ada County Campus Pintail Building (APIN) room 1307 and Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) room 116. Formerly, Testing Services provided this assessment for students.
The scheduling button on the Placement Testing page has been updated with new individualized scheduling links to direct students where they need to go. Online test proctoring and coaching options are available for students who are outside of the area.
Additionally, MSC faculty will be meeting with every student who takes the Math Diagnostic for one-on-one coaching. This added service is helping to set students on the right pathway for success in math. Math Coaches continue working with students through the completion of their GEM 3, Mathematical Ways of Knowing, requirement.
"For almost a year, the MSC has been running a small pilot where a handful of MSC faculty have been assigned to meet with interested students following their initial attempt on the math diagnostic," said Math Solutions Center Manager, Carol Crothers. "In addition to guiding students toward an understanding of their math pathway options, the one-on-one time with the students has allowed math coaches to help each student better understand their own mathematical strengths. Administering the math diagnostic within the MSC will allow the potential for MSC faculty coaches to support essentially all students who take the math diagnostic."
“I can’t say how monumental this change will be for students. I have been in Student Services for going on five years, and the Math Placement has always been a huge source of anxiety for students. They will now have experts helping them every step of the way,” said Assistant Director of Testing Services, Witney Davis.
During this transition semester, Testing Services is ready to assist any student who shows up to take the Math Diagnostic. Math Solutions Center and Testing Services hopes to make this transition as seamless as possible.
For those with questions or need additional information about the Math Coaching program, please reach out to Carol Crothers via email, carolcrothers@cwi.edu
