Early Math Placement Tool

The UW Center for Placement Testing is pleased to offer the EMPT, an exciting program designed to increase the math readiness of students entering college.

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What they're saying:

High School Teacher

"It is a wonderful tool that allows my students to gauge their readiness for college-level mathematics courses, as well as determine into which course they would be placed."

High School Teacher

"It is a wonderful tool that allows my students to gauge their readiness for college-level mathematics courses, as well as determine into which course they would be placed."

High School Teacher

"It is a wonderful tool that allows my students to gauge their readiness for college-level mathematics courses, as well as determine into which course they would be placed."

About the EMPT:

WHAT IS IT?

The Early Math Placement Tool is a program sponsored by the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System and the Department of Public Instruction, in partnership with Wisconsin High Schools, to provide high school students with information on their preparation for college-level mathematics. The EMPT is designed to help high school teachers, students, and parents determine what math class is best for students to take in their senior year, and also offers seniors a chance to see the types of items that appear on post-secondary math placement tests.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The EMPT is a shortened version (40 items) of the UW System Mathematics Placement Test, using items retired from that test. It takes 45 minutes and can be done online or reproduced and used in a paper-and-pencil format. Scoring online is automatic. The paper version is scored via an online answer template where students can input their answers to receive their score. Two forms of the test allow for use in a pre-/post-test manner.

The EMPT has been shown to:

  • Motivate students to take an appropriate math course as seniors
  • Reduce developmental math placement for participants by 50% over non-participants
  • Increase calculus readiness for participants by 10% over non-participants

Information the EMPT Provides:

FOR THE STUDENT

Students receive separate scores in three categories: Fundamental Math Skills, Algebra, and Trigonometry. Students also receive a placement level reflecting their math preparation for math classes at each UW and WTCS campus. In addition, students have access to the Mathematics Requirements by Major, a website that identifies the math requirements for every major by campus.

FOR THE TEACHER

Teachers receive summary data by class period and/or curriculum type to get a snapshot of group preparation. In addition, instructors also receive an item analysis which allows them to compare their students’ performance to that of incoming UW System freshmen.

What they're saying:

"It is a wonderful tool that allows my students to gauge their readiness for college-level mathematics courses, as well as determine into which course they would be placed."

“The EMPT is easy to administer and gives immediate feedback that is valuable for both students and teachers. We give it to our juniors and use the feedback to help with proper scheduling of their math class for senior year as well as determine possible interventions that may be needed with individual students. I also use the item analysis report to gauge whether or not I need to revise and/or refine the curriculum for students who show deficiencies in their basic algebra skills.”

Questions?

Email us at empt@exams.wisc.edu


Questions?

Email us at empt@exams.wisc.edu