ELA Placement and Progression Policy

The following is guidance for placing ELA students into their respective classes, and as they progress through classes.

ELA Course Leveling Crosswalk

Student Placement and Progress in CCP (College & Career Pathways)

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How We Place Students in Classes

Students are placed in a class level based on their test scores required by the state of Washington. We look at CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems) scores and a speaking and writing test to determine the correct placement for students.

• Foundations Classes: Comprehensive classes covering broad skills based on levels noted in crosswalk. 
• Focus Classes: These classes help students improve a specific skill such as writing or speaking. Placement is based on test results and teacher recommendations.

How Placement Scores Are Calculated

Your placement level is mostly based on your test scores.

1. Test Scores Needed:
   
   1. Students must have a recent CASAS Reading and Listening score. Generally, this is not longer than six months without a test. 
   2. Speaking and Writing skills are measured using a test developed by our teachers. 
2. How We Calculate Your Score:
   
   1. We take the average of your Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking scores.
   2. This gives us a full picture of your skills.
   3. Placement cannot be higher than one level above your lowest skill level.
   4. The formula is:
      (Listening Level + Reading Level + Writing + Speaking) ÷ 4 = Your Average Score

Current Student Registration and Moving to the Next Level

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What We Expect from Students

The CCP program helps students reach their education and career goals. To stay in the program, students should show progress in their classes and on tests like CASAS.

To Stay in the Program, Students Should:

• Attend class regularly
  • Good attendance is important to keep learning and improving.
  • Attendance includes both online and in-person participation if your class requires both.
  • When possible, notify your teacher if you are going to miss one week or more of class.
  • If you miss one week in a row without telling your teacher, you may lose your spot in the class to make room for others waiting. 
  • If you are not able to attend class regularly, speak to your instructor about changing to a different time of day or modality
  • If you are exited and you want to return, email your instructor and/or askccp@rtc.edu
• Take the CASAS test when required
  • CASAS testing is required by the state and federal funding.
  • Students who keep their CASAS scores up to date (not longer than six months without testing) will get priority for class registration.
• Work toward course goals
  • Each class has goals, which are described in the syllabus. Students should work toward these goals.

How Students Move to the Next Level

Students move forward when they:  

• Complete their courses.
• Improve their test scores and class performance.
• Show progress in writing and speaking.

How Long Can I Stay in a Course?

• Students can take a class up to three times.
• If a student wants to take a class a fourth time, they must get special permission from their instructor and the instructional dean. Permission is not guaranteed.
• In very rare cases, if a student wants to take a class five or more times, they must get approval from the instructor and Dean of Student Success.

Need Help Moving Forward?

• If you’re finding attending classes difficult or are struggling, your teacher may check in with you.
• You can meet with staff to talk about challenges and make a plan. Email askcpp@rtc.edu or drop in.

Who Gets to Register First?

1. Current Students (up-to-date on CASAS tests)
   
   1. Are currently enrolled in a class or have attended classes in the last 6 months.
   2. Students who have taken a CASAS test in the last 6 months.
2. New Students from our Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Program
3. Returning Students
   
   1. A returning student is a student who attended within the last four quarters and wants to come back.
4. New Students & Outdated Tests Students (more than six months since last CASAS test)
   
   1. Students who are new or haven’t taken a CASAS test in over six months.

Support for the Future

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When students finish their CCP program, we help them transition to college or work. We offer:

• Retention Specialists to help with your next steps.
• Information about college programs and job opportunities.

Need Accommodations?

If you have a disability and need extra support, the Disability Resource Office can help! They provide services to make sure every student has equal access to learning.

Contact the Disability Resource Office for more information.