Evaluating a University-Wide Mathematics Assessment for Use in Introductory Statistics Course Performance

Students’ prior math skills are a strong indicator of potential for success in introductory statistics courses regardless of the emphasis on mathematical ability necessary for the course. Thus, many undergraduate instructors utilize some form of math skills assessment as a review for students or for students to identify weak areas in their mathematics preparation. Such evaluations may provide instructors and students with an early indication of the student's chances for success in a course and if additional assistance is required. This study illustrated the efficacy and importance of a standardized math assessment developed and administered as a university-wide mathematics placement test in student success prediction from several modeling approaches.