WEST PLAINS, Mo. – For more than 10 years, students at Missouri State University-West Plains have scored 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 2015 graduates and show Missouri State-West Plains students scored above the national mean score in all five categories of the examination. Those categories include writing skills, mathematics, reading, critical thinking and science reasoning. Graduates have scored at or above the national average in all five subject areas for 20 consecutive years.
“The outstanding performance of our students on this test year after year shows that our academic program is one of the best values in higher education in terms of quality and cost,” said Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett. “This is independent, empirical data that proves our students are learning what is expected at an institution of higher education based on national standards.”
“While you might think that we’ve become accustomed to these good results, it’s never a sure thing,” said Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Dennis Lancaster. “The faculty and administration consider the CAAP results as a key measure of our performance as an academic institution, and because of that we focus on all the ways we can assist our students in their success. Their success is our success.”
Results of the testing show Missouri State-West Plains students posted a 64.2 mean score in writing compared to the national average of 61. In math, their mean score was 56.6 compared to the national mean of 56.1. In reading, Missouri State-West Plains students had a 62.7 mean score compared to the national average of 59.9, and in critical thinking, they posted a 63 mean score compared to 60.5 nationally. In science, students posted a 60.9 mean score compared to 59.1 nationally.
“These five subject areas align well with Missouri State-West Plains’ five General Education Goals — communication, critical thinking, information management, valuing, and global awareness — those areas that we, as a faculty and institution believe are the hallmarks of a college educated person,” Lancaster said. “These goals guide us in developing our curriculum, so the results in the five CAAP areas are one set of indicators that point to how well our students are reaching these goals.”
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.