RSCC Policy AA-25-01; English Language Learners

Roane State Community College

Policy Number: AA-25-01

Subject: English Language Learners

Purpose
Roane State will provide a course pathway for English Language Learner (ELL) students who qualify for co-requisite remediation to ensure those students have the support needed to be successful in credit-bearing course work. This policy supports TBR policy 2.03.00.00 (Admissions) and policy 2.03.00.02 (formerly A-100 Learning Support). Access the complete TBR policies at policies.tbr.edu.
Definitions
1. Learning Support - Academic support needed by a student to be successful in college level general education courses and/or to meet minimum reading, writing, and mathematic competencies as required by faculty in programs that do not require general education courses in reading, writing and/or mathematics. The purpose of learning support is to enhance academic success in college level courses and increase the likelihood of program completion that will prepare students for career success in their chosen field of study.
2. English Language Learner (ELL) –A student who self-identifies on their admissions application that their primary language is not English or who is a foreign national, and who is in the process of actively acquiring English.
3. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) –Curricular interventions that support a student whose first language is not English and who would benefit from language support programs to improve academic performance in English due to challenges with reading, comprehension, speaking, and/or writing in English.
4. Co-Requisite: Learning support courses or experiences linked with an appropriate college level course that is required in the student’s chosen field of study, so that the student is enrolled concurrently in both Learning Support and appropriate college level courses that are applicable to the student’s academic pathway.
Procedures
1. Assessment
  1. International non-immigrant applicants and in/out-of-state applicants must meet admissions criteria in accordance with TBR Policy 2.03.00.00 (Admissions). Access the complete TBR policy at policies.tbr.edu.
  2. The college has identified placement scores for international (F-1 Visa) applicants through use of the TOEFL or other comparable standardized examinations in accordance with TBR policy 2.03.00.00 (Admissions).
  3. The college will identify placement scores for in-state applicants in accordance with TBR policy 2.03.00.02, by examination of transcripts showing successful completion of ENGL 1010, or by other comparable standardized examinations.
  4. Based on an analysis of student success characteristics, staff and faculty may make referrals for ELL students to enroll in ESL/ESOL supported courses as provided in TBR policy 2.03.00.00.
Placement for Speakers of Other Languages Supported Courses
1. International applicants who have placement scores above the minimum level determined by Roane State shall enroll in college-level English courses.
2. In-State applicants who have placement scores above the minimum level determined in this policy or who have successfully completed ENGL 1010 shall enroll in college-level English courses. TBR-recognized placement exams and cut scores will be used.
3. English Language Learners who have test scores below the minimum placement cut score shall be enrolled in co-requisite ENGL 1010. TBR-recognized placement exams and cut scores will be used.
English for Speakers of Other Languages Supported Courses
1. Roane State shall provide English Language Learners who test below minimum cut scores ESL/ESOL enhanced co-requisite English courses.
2. ELL/ESOL enhanced courses may be provided in two co-requisite formats:
  1. ENGL 1010/ENGL 1020 with a supplemental instruction focused on providing ESL. Supplemental instruction focuses on English for Academic Purpose (EAP), which includes training in academic reading, writing, presenting, and note-taking.
  2. ELL/ESOL enhanced ENGL 1010/ENGL 1020. In addition to the curriculum of the English course, content on English for Academic Purpose (EAP), which includes training in academic reading, writing, presenting and note- taking, is also provided.
  3. Students may have the option to sign a waiver to opt-out and enroll in college level English courses.
3. At such time as the English Language Learner who was enrolled in ESOL enhanced co- requisite English courses successfully completes ENGL 1010/ENGL 1020, they shall have met the requirement for college-level English.

TBR Policy Reference: 2.03.00.03

Original Date Effective: 07/24/2023

Original Approval By: Christopher L. Whaley, President

Office Responsible: Vice President Student Learning

Roane State Community College

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