Â鶹´«Ã½

Placement is a procedure by which instructors determine the proper level of instruction for Â鶹´«Ã½s. A placement test is given to each new Â鶹´«Ã½ during orientation to determine the proper level of instruction. During the first week of class, instructors administer pretests and carefully review each Â鶹´«Ã½s performance. Adjustments may be made if any Â鶹´«Ã½s have demonstrated English proficiency above the level they are currently in. These procedures ensure that Â鶹´«Ã½s get full benefit from the program as they progress through the levels.

Step 1: New Â鶹´«Ã½ testing (orientation)

• Oral evaluation—instructors interview Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½s (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 Â鶹´«Ã½s have demonstrated English proficiency ABOVE the level they are currently in. If it is decided that a Â鶹´«Ã½ should be moved to a different level, the Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ fails a class and is then placed in the same class with the same teacher the following semester, that Â鶹´«Ã½ may request a section change. 
2. If a Â鶹´«Ã½ has a physical disability that requires a specific classroom building, that Â鶹´«Ã½ may request a section change. However, the Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s learning and progress through the program.