Research Studies Related to the College-Level Academic Skills Test

A research project was undertaken to determine: (1) the relationships between scores on the Florida College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) and prior scores on corresponding entry placement tests; (2) the relationships between course completion patterns and performance on CLAST subtests; and (3) the relationships between grades in reading, English, and mathematics and scores on corresponding CLAST subtests. A final sample of 413 students for whom prior data was available was selected from the February 1991 administration of the CLAST. Results indicated that students who passed their placement tests did much better on the CLAST than those who failed initial placement tests, and that the strength of the placement score was related to performance on CLAST subtests. The relationships between course completion patterns and performance on CLAST subtests differed somewhat according to subject area, but in English and mathematics those who had taken several area courses were most likely to be successful on CLAST subtests. There was a strong relationship between students' grade point averages, and their CLAST performance. Three appendixes present 24 detailed tables and 10 figures. (SLD)