ALEKS

ECC requires an ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS PPL) assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses for students who score below the math score minimum on the ACT, SAT, PSAT, and HiSET, or GED.

About ALEKS


ALEKS is a powerful artificial-intelligence-based assessment tool that zeros in on the strengths and weaknesses of a student’s mathematical knowledge, reports its findings to the student, and then provides the student with a learning environment for improving this knowledge to an appropriate level for course placement. The Placement Assessment is between 20-30 questions and generally takes between 45-90 minutes to complete.

ALEKS chooses each question based on answers to all the previous questions. Once questions are answered and submitted, students cannot return to a previous question.

ALEKS consists of three parts:

  1. An initial placement assessment:
    • Each student, and therefore each set of assessment questions, is unique. It is impossible to predict the questions that will be asked. The questions begin with Trigonometry questions and then progress to College Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, or Algebra, depending if the questions are missed in the above levels.
  2. The prep and learning module; is an individualized, self-paced online review.
  3. Access to 4 additional placement assessments within a one-year period.

ECC encourages each student to spend time in the prep and learning module, even if the desired score is achieved, because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.

Taking the ALEKS PPL Assessment

Before you take the Placement Assessment, ALEKS will present a short tutorial on how to enter answers, how to use the graphing utilities, and how to use the built-in calculator that will be offered when appropriate. Take your time with this tutorial, and be sure you understand how to use these features.

ALEKS is not a multiple-choice Placement Assessment. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with paper and pencil, then enter them into ALEKS. Testing staff will provide scratch paper and pencils.

  • Once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response.
  • It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On any question that you have familiarity with, however, it is important to do your best to answer the question. Answering a question with ‘I Don’t Know’ is interpreted by ALEKS to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic, which will be reflected in the results.
  • The test is not timed, and you are free to complete the Placement Assessment at your own pace.
  • If you need to exit the Placement Assessment for any reason, the testing staff can log back in and pick up where you left off.

ALEKS PPL Assessment Score

Your placement assessment score is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered. Course placement is determined by your ALEKS score and your program of study.

  • An academic advisor will meet with you during new student orientation before registering to ensure you choose the correct math course to fulfill your major.
  • Returning and transfer students should make an appointment with an academic advisor to review the placement assessment score and discuss course options.

The courses you are eligible to enroll in based on your score:

  • Your ALEKS score can be viewed by re-entering ALEKS using the same access link for which you took the Placement Assessment.
  • Your scores are added to your student profile on the accessECC portal.
  • View math placement chart

Your placement scores are available on the Test Summary page of the Plan, Register, and Pay tool located on the accessECC portal. Visit accessECC account information to learn how to set up your accessECC Portal login.

Remote Testing

Taking this assessment remotely will require you to register with ALEKS, our placement provider, and download software called LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor.

You must complete the remote testing setup below the day before you sit down to take your test.

Remote Testing System Requirements

Please expect to spend up to 30 minutes setting up your account and downloading the software.

LockDown Browser and Responus Monitor will work on PCs, Macs, and iPads. Download software and review specific system requirements.

LockDown Browser and Responus Monitor do not work on Chromebooks or smartphones. If you do not have access to a device that is supported, please get in touch with testing@elgin.edu.

ALEKS Remote Math Placement Instructions.

FAQs

Remote Math Placement Instructions FAQs

ALEKS PPL Assessment FAQs

Frequently asked questions and answers regarding the ALEKS placement, preparation, and learning (ALEKS PPL) assessment.

ALEKS Prep and Learning Module FAQs

Frequently asked questions and answers regarding the ALEKS prep and learning module.