Regulations
MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICY
Mandatory Assessment and Planned Course Placement
Academic Assessment Policies
Academic Assessment at NECC is defined as a test of a student's abilities in reading, writing, math, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education mandates that all students entering state colleges must complete an assessment in order to determine basic skills levels for course placement. Based on assessment results, a student may be required to initially enroll in one or more Developmental or ESL courses in order to prepare for college level course work.
Assessment and planned course placement are required for students who meet one or more of the following criteria:
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Students enrolling in a degree or certificate program (matriculated students).
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Students enrolling in the following courses: English Composition I; college level math; Developmental reading, writing, and math; ESL; all courses with numbers beginning with zero; and all other courses with entrance level skills requirements. Please refer to the course description to determine if an assessment is required for a particular course.
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Non matriculated students will be allowed to register for up to six credits, prior to assessment (with the exception of those courses listed above).
Expiration of Assessment results:
Reading, writing, and math course placements are valid for three years. However, it is strongly advised that students complete their first math course during their first year of enrollment.
Assessment Waivers:
Students with prior college credits or SAT scores may be eligible for a partial or full waiver of the Assessment. Waivers are granted based on review of transcripts. Contact the Assessment Office, at 978-556-3872 to inquire about the waiver process.
Assessment Methods:
Reading, math, writing and sentence skills assessments are administered with Accuplacer, which is a web-based assessment and placement system. Writing assessments are administered through a type written essay on an assigned topic. Students who apply for enrollment in English Language courses will be assessed with specialized tests for reading, writing, grammar and communication.
Special Accommodations for Assessments:
Students with documented disabilities should contact the Learning Accommodations Center to arrange for special accommodations well in advance of their assessment date.
Remote Testing Information
Remote testing involves students testing at a local educational institution with the intention of attending another college. For information on Remote Testing in the areas of: procedures, forms and guidelines see: Remote Testing Information. For additional questions on Remote Testing, click: Accuplacer Remote Placement Testing Email.
