TECEP Exams Textbook Clarification

[lavagirl]

Thank you so much!!!

I already sent it. I will keep everybody posted about the decision.

This is what I got today.


"Thanks for your note. You are allowed to use a calculator while taking the MAT-105 TECEP and the MAT-105 test description should have included this statement: You may use a nongraphing, nonprogrammable calculator during testing.

Online courses and TECEP exams measure a similar set of knowledge but do not have to follow the exact same processes. The test development committee decided that the MAT-105 TECEP requires the use of a calculator but not a text."

[bricabrac]

This is what I got today.


"Thanks for your note. You are allowed to use a calculator while taking the MAT-105 TECEP and the MAT-105 test description should have included this statement: You may use a nongraphing, nonprogrammable calculator during testing.

Online courses and TECEP exams measure a similar set of knowledge but do not have to follow the exact same processes. The test development committee decided that the MAT-105 TECEP requires the use of a calculator but not a text."

Lavagirl,

It did not hurt to try but are you willing to consult the next level? Just forward the complete email to AdminAppeals@tesc.edu (see procedure below). Remember to address the committee formally and I would also attach the PDF files of each syllabus and test description.

Ask if this is not the proper procedure in this case, if they would be so kind as to advise on what the next step would be? Possibly the Dean of School.


I am not suggesting this exam requires open book since it really is HS math, it is simply the principle of the matter. The TECEP should be allowed the same tools as the course, if not moreso. The exam is comprehensive, much harder than taking two sections which allow plenty of time to study for each.


Looking at it from another angle, makes me wonder if they are purposely trying to make the exams more difficult. I would bet the person who came up with the pay per credit tuition without adding language to exclude the use of TECEPs is not sitting comfortably in his/her seat right now.


Administrative (Non-Academic) Appeals and Waivers
Students may appeal a decision from any office in the College regarding an administrative action, policy or procedure. Such an appeal must be submitted in writing to the Administrative Appeals Committee via mail (Thomas Edison State College - Administrative Appeals Committee, 101 W. State St., Trenton, NJ 08608-1176), email at AdminAppeals@tesc.edu or fax at (609) 943-5232.
Supporting documentation not submitted with the appeal may otherwise be required by the Committee. The Administrative Appeals Committee considers administrative matters involving financial relief, waivers, exceptions to policies, and other special considerations of departmental decisions across all divisions of the College.
Academic Appeals and Waivers

[lavagirl]

Bricabrac,

Thank you so much for teaching me how to appeal a TESC decision. I decided , though, not to proceed with it, because I already have scheduled the test and it is just not enough time to wait for appeal decision ( especially when it will go to the Dean of School, and I think that it would go there). I also worry that they might decide not to allow students that take MAT-105 course to use textbook on the test instead of allowing the textbook on TECEP, this way trying to do better for TECEP takers I accidentally might do worse for everybody.

Maybe somebody who plans on taking this TECEP in a few months will want to proceed with the appeal. I can send personal email to this person with Bricabric's letter how to do it.

[bricabrac]

Bricabrac,

Thank you so much for teaching me how to appeal a TESC decision. I decided , though, not to proceed with it, because I already have scheduled the test and it is just not enough time to wait for appeal decision ( especially when it will go to the Dean of School, and I think that it would go there). I also worry that they might decide not to allow students that take MAT-105 course to use textbook on the test instead of allowing the textbook on TECEP, this way trying to do better for TECEP takers I accidentally might do worse for everybody.

Maybe somebody who plans on taking this TECEP in a few months will want to proceed with the appeal. I can send personal email to this person with Bricabric's letter how to do it.

Lavagirl,

I respect you decision but I think it's a mistake. The testing office didn't truly contemplate their decision before reiterating the offer of using a calculator. It was just to appease you, there was no committee meeting. The reason I know there was not, the answer was to quick. Appeals tend to take 1-4 days depending who is making the decision. Actually it is sometimes best if it is the Dean, the answer is faster (usually one day). Although the Dean's decision is usually to make an exception for one student, where the committee will enact policy for the school.

No, I don't think pursuing this would lead to a change in the course. Remember the tesiing office clearly stated they don't have to follow the same processes as the course. This is where I think they are being unfair and is the grounds to win the appeal. By the time someone else jumps on board, they will have most likely gotten a superior to sign off on their decision, changed the language and published a new test details page. As I said before, I'm sure they are happy I am done and moved on. It no longer effects me so I am now humbly bowing away from this issue.

Good luck on your exam!