Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CCLA?
The CCLA (Community College Learning Assessment) is a nationally standardized exam that assesses the degree to which community colleges contribute to their students’ development in critical thinking, analytic reasoning, problem solving and written communication. This information provides a benchmark against which to examine the effectiveness of institutions’ programs for increasing student proficiency in the areas measured. Howard Community College administers this exam as part of its ongoing commitment to academic excellence. The college is being assessed rather than the individual students taking the test. The results are used to assist faculty and administrators to enhance teaching and learning; therefore, the results will not affect your graduation or grade point average in any way.
Who takes the CCLA?
All students who petition to graduate in Spring 2013 are required to take the assessment.
When will the assessment be administered?
The assessment period begins on Friday, February 15 and ends on Friday, April 19.
Where will the assessment take place?
The CCLA will be administered at Howard Community College’s Test Center located in the Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall (RCF-366).
Do I need an appointment?
It is not necessary for students to make an appointment; the assessment will be administered on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday.
Walk-in CCLA sessions are available during the following days and times:
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Tuesday: 1:00PM to 6:00PM
Friday: 10:00AM to 2:45PM
How long does the assessment take?
You are allotted 105 minutes to complete the assessment. This does not mean it will necessarily take you the entire time to complete the assessment.
What if I have a disability?
Please contact Disability Support Services at 443-518-4629 or via Maryland Relay (410) 767-8828 to make arrangements to take the CCLA.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
A valid (unexpired) government or institutional issued photo identification, such as your student ID, driver’s license, passport, or military ID. All personal items will be placed in lockers, including books, notes, pens, pencils, calculators, cellular telephones, electronic devices, purses, lip balm, watches, wallets and keys. All pockets must be empty.
What is involved in taking the CCLA?
The CCLA is a computer-based, online assessment. You will be asked to perform tasks such as preparing a memo, preparing essay responses to simple prompts, or analyzing passages in order to identify the strong or weak points in the arguments given.
Do I need to study or review any material for this assessment?
No. You do not need to study as this is an assessment of your overall educational experience, which is not subject-specific.
How will this assessment affect my grade point average or graduation status?
We ask that you approach this assessment seriously and do your best since the results are designed to assist faculty and administrators to enhance teaching and learning. Remember though, Howard Community College, not the student, is being assessed. Therefore, the results will not effect your graduation or grade point average in any way.
Will I receive the results of the assessment?
Students completing the assessment during the Spring 2013 semester will receive their results via e-mail in August. These are sent to you because we believe you are entitled to the results of any assessment you take. We ask you provide a valid e-mail during the CCLA so you can get your results sent to you. Still, what the college is interested in is the total results of its graduating class, not the results of any individual student. If you would like to have more information about your scores, please contact the Learning Outcomes Assessment Office at 443-518-4705.
Will my scores be kept on file in my student record?
No. Howard Community College is being assessed, not you. It is the overall or cumulative score of the graduating class that will be retained rather than individual information. Your personal testing record will be used for research and aggregated reporting, but will never become a part of your student record.
Why should I take this test?
The college’s excellent reputation is not only important to you as a student, but is also important as you transfer to other institutions, apply to graduate school, seek employment and so forth. Taking it not only supports the institution as you prepare to move forward, but ensures its excellent reputation is maintained.
We do realize that this is an added task to your already busy schedule; therefore, the first 100 students to complete the test will be eligible for a drawing for Visa gift card prizes. Three Visa gift cards will be awarded in the amounts of $100.00, $75.00 and $50.00.
Who should I contact if I would like additional information?
If you have any further inquiries please contact the Learning Outcomes Assessment Office at 443-518-4705. Leave a message regarding your inquiry. Your request will be responded to within one business day.
