ES4205 - Assessment of Students Whose First Language Is Not English

1. Institutional Regulation
   
   This procedure outlines the general assessment requirements for admission of students whose first (native) language is not English. The procedure is intended to maximize the success of those students. For the general assessment requirements refer to ES4200 - General Assessment Requirements .
    
2. Procedure
   1. All first time applicants (full-time and part-time) whose first (native) language is not English are required to take and pass the entire battery of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Test in Accuplacer (Reading, Language Use, Listening, and Sentence Meaning) and take the ALEKS mathematics test (full-time students and those that wish to enroll in a math course) prior to unrestricted enrollment in Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) courses. Assessment scores used for admission purposes must be (5) years old or less from the test date.
      1. The ESL Test in Accuplacer will not replace the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) requirement for admission of international students. If students do not meet the minimum TOEFL score to be admitted to DMACC, they may enroll in ESL courses at DMACC. After they complete the ESL courses they must pass the entire battery of the ESL Test in Accuplacer to qualify to enroll in courses without restriction.
      2. The ESL Test in Accuplacer will be waived for students who have a total TOEFL score of 173 or higher (computer version) or a 500 or higher (paper version). On the internet-based version of TOEFL, this score must be a 61 or higher. A 45 will be allowed on the internet version if the optional speaking portion is not completed.
      3. The ESL Test in Accuplacer will be waived for students who score a 5.0 or higher on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
      4. The ESL Test in Accuplacer will be waived for transfer students who provide evidence of successful college experience in reading and writing course work from an accredited college or university in the United States. If college experience is older than five (5) years, students are strongly encouraged to take the Accuplacer assessment.
         
         Writing: Grade of C or higher in a college-level writing course
         Reading: Grade of C or higher in 6 hours of college-level academic course work
          
      5. The ESL Test in Accuplacer will be waived for students who submit an ACT score of 19 or higher in Reading and Writing. (All ACT scores must be sent.)
      6. Students will be appropriately placed into non-credit ESL courses, college preparatory courses or select credit courses based on cutoff scores established by the College. Students who pass the entire battery of the ESL Test in Accuplacer will be allowed to enroll in courses without restriction within regular College guidelines. DMACC reserves the right to change the ESL Test in Accuplacer cutoff scores based on program requirements, research on student success, and/or regulatory requirements. The cutoff scores will be available in the Admissions Office and the International Student Office.
      7. Students who do not pass the entire battery of the ESL Test in Accuplacer may be eligible for select credit courses available at DMACC based on their scores. Students will be required to meet with a designated advisor and/or faculty member to determine which courses they may be eligible to take and obtain the designated advisor’s and/or faculty member’s signature in order to register for the select credit courses.
      8. The College policy of a mandatory two-week waiting period between Accuplacer testing will be enforced. Remediation between testing is strongly recommended.
   2. Students who seek exemption from the ESL Accuplacer requirement or placement as a result of ESL Accuplacer scores must receive a written waiver from the Director of Enrollment Services/Registrar or his/her designee.
      1. The Director may (but is not required to) consult with the International Student Advisor, designated DMACC faculty members, or advisor.
      2. The Director may require any additional documentation that may be relevant to students’ requests for exemption.
   3. Students who wish to appeal the decision of the Director of Enrollment Services/Registrar must submit a letter of appeal to the Executive Dean of Student Services or his/her designee.
      1. After a reasonable period for fact finding, usually no more than two weeks, the Executive Dean will inform the student in writing of the decision on the appeal.
      2. The decision of the Executive Dean shall be final.