A Re-Examination of the Use of the Test of Standard Written English and Resulting Placement for Older Upper-Division and Master's Level Students

Abstract

The Test of Standard Written English (TSWE) was developed to assess the ability of college students to use English. Most of the research has validated the use of the TSWE with freshman level students. The one study with older junior and master's degree level students was replicated with the one-year cumulative grade point average serving as the criterion variable. Confirmed was the finding that TSWE scores, resulting placement, and subsequent success in an English course (if required) was predictive of the academic success of older upper-division and master's level students.