Evaluation Methodology & Placement Testing
During International Student Orientation, a placement test will be conducted in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary through the ACT COMPASS/ESL Computerized Placement test. Students will take the following tests:
- Listening
- Reading
- Grammar/Usage
- UW-Eau Claire Writing Test
Course Placement
Each learner will be placed (through pre-tests) into the appropriate English as a Second Language courses according to his/her proficiency level (beginning, intermediate, or advanced). Students placing into levels 1 and 2 will be placed full time into the Intensive English Program (IEP). Students placing into level 3 may be full time in the IEP, or may take a combination of for-credit ESL classes and pertinent mainstream courses for his/her field of study, interests, and abilities (Bridge Program). It is expected that for each class-hour of instruction there will be outside preparation required.
Continual Assessment and Feedback
Throughout the program, the instructor of each class will design and administer regular content examinations for that class
Compass ESL Test Scores
Listening Test
Level Score range Placement
Pre-level 1 1-41 ESL 100 classes
Level 1 42-66 ESL 100 classes
Level 2 67-81 ESL 200 classes
Level 3 82-91 ESL 300 classes
Level 4 92-99 Mainstream coursework
Reading Test
Level Score range Placement
Pre-level 1 1-37 ESL 100 classes
Level 1 38-64 ESL 100 classes
Level 2 65-79 ESL 200 classes
Level 3 80-91 ESL 300 classes
Level 4 92-99 Mainstream coursework
Grammar/Usage Test
Level Score range Placement
Pre-level 1 1-41 ESL 100 classes
Level 1 42-62 ESL 100 classes
Level 2 63-83 ESL 200 classes
Level 3 84-93 ESL 300 classes
Level 4 94-99 Mainstream coursework
UW-Eau Claire Writing Test
1 ESL 100 classes
2 ESL 200 classes
3 ESL 300 classes
4 May take English 110; mainstream coursework
