Placement

Placement is a procedure by which instructors determine the proper level of instruction for students. A placement test is given to each new student during orientation to determine the proper level of instruction. During the first week of class, instructors administer pretests and carefully review each students performance. Adjustments may be made if any students have demonstrated English proficiency above the level they are currently in. These procedures ensure that students get full benefit from the program as they progress through the levels.

Step 1: New student testing (orientation)

• Oral evaluation—instructors interview student for three to five minutes.
• Writing test—timed writing sample on a given topic. Lasts approximately 25 minutes.
• Placement test—listening comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension. Lasts approximately 65 minutes.

Step 2: Placement based on test results

You will be assigned to classes according to the results of your placement tests.

Step 3: Course pretests for all students (first days of classes)

• Speaking/Listening class pretest—listening comprehension, speaking.
• Grammar/Communication class pretest—grammar, grammar test.
• Reading/Writing Class pretest—Reading comprehension, writing.

Step 4: Level change (first three days of classes)

Instructors will determine if any students have demonstrated English proficiency ABOVE the level they are currently in. If it is decided that a student should be moved to a different level, the student will be notified by email to come to the office to pick up a new schedule.

Level change

You will be assigned to classes according to the results of your placement tests. After your teachers have tested you during the first week of class, they will discuss your work. If the tests show that your work is significantly above the class level, then your level may be changed. However, your level will not be changed if your test scores are within that level, or if you are absent during the first week of class. 

Eligibility

• Students on Probation 2 are not eligible for level changes.
• To move to a higher level, a student must demonstrate English proficiency above the level he/she is currently in.
• Students on Probation 1 who are moved to a higher level will remain on Probation 1.
• Changing sections (within the same level) is not permitted except in special circumstances:

1. If a student fails a class and is then placed in the same class with the same teacher the following semester, that student may request a section change. 
2. If a student has a physical disability that requires a specific classroom building, that student may request a section change. However, the student needs to first bring to the CELCIS office 1) a letter from a physician that specifically describes the physical disability and 2) a letter of support from WMU’s Disability Services for Students Office. The CELCIS office must receive these documents before any change will be considered. 
   
   While CELCIS makes an effort to accommodate student requests, it is not always possible or desirable to do so. CELCIS does not make changes after CENSUS because such a change would be detrimental to a student’s learning and progress through the program.