The Regents' Test
Program consists of two competency
tests: a writing and a reading test. The
writing test requires students to write
a formal essay on one of the four topics
provided. The reading section is made up
of nine reading passages and fifty-four
multiple choice questions. Students are
allotted one hour for each part of the
test.
Who takes it?
Any
student earning an associate's or
bachelor's degree must take the RTP to
graduate. Some students may be exempt
from one or both parts for the RTP. This
information will be available on the
students Tranguide.
When should a student take the RTP?
Beginning Fall 2008,
ALL degree-seeking students (with noted
exceptions) will take the Regents' Exam
the first semester they are
enrolled and will continue to take it
each semester until they pass the test.
The exceptions include students who have
exempted the test or students enrolled
in Learning Support English or Learning
Support Reading.
Students requiring Learning Support
English or Learning Support Reading must
take the Regents' Test the semester
after exiting Learning Support Classes.
The same guidelines are then in effect
regarding failing the exam and taking
the remediation courses.
Is there a
testing fee?
No, you
do not have to pay any fees to take the
test.
What about transfer students?
Transfer students will
take the Regents' Exam the first
semester they are enrolled and will
coninue to take it each semester until
they pass the test. The exceptions
include students who have exempted the
test or students enrolled in Learning
Support English or Learning Support
Reading.
When do penalties take effect?
All students who fail
the exam must take the Regents'
remediation courses every subsequent
term until fulfilling the Regents'
testing requirement (they must pass the
test). Failure to show up for the test
is considered a test failure, as is
failure to sign up for the test.
What if the student fails one or both parts of the RTP?
All students who fail
the exam must take the Regents'
remediation courses every subsequent
term until fulfilling the Regents'
testing requirement (they must pass the
test). Fauilure to show up for the test
is considered a test failure, as is
failure to sign up for the test.
What about transient students?
Transient students must
take the RTP at their home institution.
What about ESL students?
DSC offers an accommodated session for students whose native language is not English. Students are allowed extended test time and may use a translation dictionary.
What about students with disabilities?
Students needing testing accommodations must contact
Andrea Roberson (ext. 2524) to complete the appropriate paperwork. All RTP accommodation paperwork should be completed no later than the end of the third week of class.
How do students receive their scores?
Scores will be available on BANNER usually five weeks following the test date.
What resources
are available for students to help them
prepare for the RTP?
Students can access
on-line RTP preparation by visiting the
the
Regents' Testing Program web site.
One-on-one tutoring is available in the
Writing Lab (LIA 315). Students may also
voluntarily enroll in the Regent's
Reading and Writing Skills courses.
