WEST PLAINS, Mo. – For the 16th consecutive year, students at Missouri State University-West Plains have scored at or above the national average in all categories of the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) examination, university officials announced.

Results of the test, which is administered nationwide to graduates of two-year degree programs, were recently released for 2011 graduates and show Missouri State-West Plains students scored at or above the national mean score in all five categories of the examination.  Those categories include writing skills, mathematics, reading, critical thinking and science reasoning.

“This is independent proof that students are getting a quality education and value for their money,” Chancellor Dr. Drew Bennett said.  “All the credit goes to our dedicated faculty.”
Results of the testing show Missouri State-West Plains students posted a 63.5 mean score in writing compared to the national average of 61.8.  In math, their mean score was 56.4 compared to the national mean of 56.1.  In reading, Missouri State-West Plains students had a 62.1 mean score in reading compared to the national average of 60.3, and in critical thinking, they posted a 62.2 mean score compared to 60.7 nationally.  In science, students posted a 60 mean score compared to 59.1 nationally.

Janice Johnson, coordinator of the Student Advisement and Academic Support (SAAS) Center, which administers the test on campus, said students’ participation in this outcome assessment program is important in understanding the quality of the education they receive at Missouri State-West Plains.  “CAAP testing allows the measurement of the students’ achievement levels on both a group and individual basis.  It lets us compare our students with national user norms to determine the strengths and weaknesses of our general education program,” she explained.

Area residents interested in learning more about the academic programs available at Missouri State-West Plains can call the admissions office at 417-255-7955 or visit the campus’ website at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu.