Testing Policy

Testing Policy jeff

The Testing Policy aims to promote consistency with grading practices and testing procedures to improve the assessment of student learning.

Tests or examinations that fall under this policy are proctored. Some courses are exempt from portions of the testing policy – refer to course syllabus to determine if the course is exempt. 

Grading

  1. Weight of test categories within course grade
    1. Tests/examinations make up 80% of course grades.
    2. Theory and clinical learning assignments comprise 20% of course grades.
    3. The score achieved on the Content Mastery Series Assessment exams will comprise at least 10% and not exceed 25%, included in the theory and clinical learning assignments. The exception of N444 Concept Synthesis, the Comprehensive Predictor will be 10% of the overall course grade.
    4. The minimum passing score is 77%, except 85% for the N311 course. An average of all exams determines a passing score.
    5. Exam items will be scored using three methods, depending on the item type. These methods are zero-one scoring, plus-minus scoring, and rationale scoring. The scoring method used should be appropriate for the item type. Partial credit will not be granted for items that are scored using zero-one or rationale scoring.
  2. Clinical Course Medication Calculation Quiz Policy
    1. Medication Calculation quizzes will be required in the program. Testing these competencies is the responsibility of the following courses: N311, N321, N431, N433, and N441. Faculty will provide students instructions and practice material before taking the first competency math test.
    2. The first quiz will be given within the first or second week of the course.
    3. Each quiz should be a minimum of ten (10) items.
    4. The three medication calculation quizzes are weighted as pass/fail only in the weighted clinical section of the grade book.
    5. The student will receive three attempts to achieve the required passing score.
    6. Students must utilize the calculator embedded in ATI. Basic function calculators may be provided for students during testing at the instructor's discretion. No scientific calculators or phones will be allowed.
    7. Students who do not meet the passing requirement will receive an AIP with recommended remediation between quizzes under the guidance of a faculty member.
    8. Students will not pass medications in the clinical area until they have passed the quiz.
    9. Students will also receive an unsatisfactory related to medications on the clinical evaluation tool until the student passes the quiz.
    10. Semester 1, Semester 2, and Semester 3 clinical courses (N311, N321, N431, N433)
      1. The minimum passing score is 90%.
      2. If 90% is not achieved on the third attempt, clinical course failure will occur.
    11. Semester 4 Clinical courses (N441):
      1. The minimum passing score 100% to pass medications at a clinical setting.
      2. If 100% is not achieved on the third attempt, clinical course failure will occur.

    • Criteria for Math Competencies

      Semester 1
      Competency Content

      • Calculate the number of pills/milliliters to give
      • Conversions of mcg to mg
      • pounds to kilograms
      • inches to centimeters
      • Kg to mg
      • Ounces to mL, teaspoons to mL
      • L to mL
      • Gm to kg

      Content to be Taught

      • Correctly read labels of vials, ampules, tubexes, and bottles
      • Calculate the correct amount of dilute solution for the medication (powder reconstitution or diluting total dose)
      • Calculate range (upper and lower according to the recommended range) and dose versus daily amount.

      Semester 2
      Competency Content

      • Content tested and taught in Semester 1

      Content to be Taught

      • Calculate dose for syringes
      • Calculate the correct dosage of insulin
      • Calculate the rate to administer IV solution/med for a given set rate or order (per different tubing delivery rates)
      • Calculate length of time IV solutions will run
      • Calculating the rate of IVP medications
      • Calculate concentration of solution/medication
      • Medications calculations of drug specific to specialty areas.

      Semester 3
      Competency Content

      • Content tested and taught in Semester 1 and 2.

      Content to be Taught

      • Calculate body surface area, dose/m2 ; mg/body surface area
      • Calculating administration rate of enteral feedings.
      • Calculate amount of drug when ordered by prescribed units/mL, mL/hour, units/min and units/hour (e.g. heparin, lidocaine)
      • Medications calculations of drugs specific to specialty areas.

      Semester 4
      Competency Content

      • Content tested and taught in Semester 1, 2 and 3.

      Content to be Taught

      • Calculate infusion rates of a drug for a specific bodyweight per unit time (mcg/kg)
      • Medications calculations of drug specific to specialty areas
  3. Edvance 360 learning management system is used for calculating all course grades, including tests
    1. Faculty assign /enter a weight of 80% for all graded exams and tests.
    2. Faculty will assign/enter weights to individual tests (see syllabus).
    3. No test grades will be rounded.

Test-taking procedures

  1. Testing is done in the classroom and computer lab setting.
  2. Personal computer/device and charger may be brought to testing site, ready for testing.
  3. Report 10 minutes prior to the test.
  4. LCN photo ID badges are required to sit for a test.
  5. The proctor will provide a sheet of paper to use during the testing period.  Sign and date the sheet of paper and return it to the proctor at the end of the testing period.
  6. Proctors will provide a pencil, calculator, and earplugs.
  7. All other items will be placed at the front/back of the classroom.
  8. No smartwatch, fitness trackers, hand-held technology, ball caps, sunglasses, food, drinks, candy, cough drops, earplugs, earbuds, or calculators brought in by students are allowed while testing.
  9. The proctor will provide a password/code to begin the test if needed.
  10. Late arrival to testing site: see individual course syllabus.
  11. Once students begin the test; they are not permitted to leave the testing site.
  12. Once the student has completed the test, it is the proctor's discretion if a student may leave the testing site.
  13. See the course syllabus for the instructor's test/examination make-up policy.
  14. Examination/Test Review will be managed by the instructor and addressed in course policies.

 

Examination Integrity

  • Students will not disclose or discuss information about the items or answers seen on exam/test/quiz unless it is during a formal test review with the course faculty. This includes posting or discussing questions on the internet and social media websites.
  • Students may not copy or reconstruct exam items during or following the exam for any reason.
  • Students may not seek help from any other party in answering items (in person, by phone, text, or by email) during the exam/test/quiz (including breaks).
  • Students may not remove exam/test/quiz items and/or responses (in any format) or notes about the exam/test/quiz from the testing room.
  • Students will comply with any investigation related to the exam integrity that needs to be conducted.
  • Students may not take the exam/test/quiz for somebody else.
  • Students may not tamper with the computer or use it for any function other than taking the exam/test/quiz.

 

Note: If a student witnesses any of the above behavior or any irregular behavior that violates the exam/test/quiz rules, the student is required to report it to a faculty member or the Dean of Nursing and comply with any follow up investigation.