English Language and Culture Institute

How are courses leveled and sequenced? 

The chart below is an example of an ELCI students’ typical sequence/levels. For a full-time student*, each level represents a semester, so an INE Level 1 (A) student (passing courses with a C or better) would take five semesters to reach the highest level and potentially exit the program with an ESL Certificate. Students can earn the English Fundamentals at the end of INE Level 2 (B) and/or the ESL Certificates of Specialization at the end of ESL Level 3 (D). Those wishing to excel beyond the ESL Certificate may apply for an Applied Linguistics Certificate of Achievement. Students may need to repeat levels or accelerate through shorter semesters depending on their progress.

The chart shows equivalencies with the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and Common European Framework of Reference on English (CEFR). For more information, request the CEFR/ACTFL Equivalency Leveling handout (pdf also on ELCI webpage) and/or a Curriculum Handout. 

Example of an ELCI student's typical sequence (pathway)

As a general guideline, for planning purposes, here are common level cuts for international students at SCC:  

• 74 and up (at least 17 in all categories) on the TOEFL or equivalent test = ESL Level 3 (E)
• 67 to 73 TOEFL or equivalent = ESL Level 2 (D)
• 61-67 TOEFL or equivalent = ESL Level 1 (C)
• 50 to 61 TOEFL or equivalent = INE Level 2 (B)
• Below 50 = INE Level 1, with low scorers perhaps having to repeat the first level (A)

 

Placement will vary or require different levels if the following occurs:

• The ESL Department testing, including the oral interview/writing sample, shows the proficiency test does not reflect the student’s English skills;
• Testing is erroneous;
• Skills in the various sub-skill areas are uneven;
• The ESL director determines further remediation/culture courses are needed. 

 

See language placement/proficiency considerations on the International Student Service page (https://www.stchas.edu/learning-student-support/international/index.php), the Assessment Center webpage (https://www.stchas.edu/learning-student-support/assessment.php), and/or contact Academic Program Coordinator, Dr. Huffman (dhuffman@stchas.edu).

 

*Credit Hours for Full-Time Enrollment:

• While most students consider 12 credit hours as full-time, ELCI students are typically enrolled in 15-17 credit hours per semester to ensure optimal learning.
• For the highest level of ESL (English as a Second Language) students or those who have already completed specific courses (like ESL 100 & 199), fewer credit hours may be required.

Unit of Coursework and Contact Instruction Hours:

• One credit unit of coursework equals 15 contact hours of classroom instruction, regardless of whether the semester is a mini-session or a full 15-week term.
• A typical college course is 3 credit hours, and a 3-credit course involves 45 contact hours of classroom instruction per semester (15 contact hours × 3 credits = 45 hours).
• The total contact instruction hours in a semester are calculated by multiplying the credit hours being taken by 15 contact hours. For example, if a student takes 3 courses, each worth 3 credits, the total contact instruction would 135 hours. Independent study and project-based courses may differ.

Course Enrollment:

• Students may take all the courses in a level or only one course, depending on their placement determined by ELCI. Credit hours of courses are marked on the chart below. 
• Students who want to take 19 or more credits (in summer or fall) must get approval from the administration.

Further Details:

• See the SCC Student Handbook.
   

The different ESL 115 courses, which correspond to levels, are usually ONE credit and are taken each semester that a student is enrolled in INE/ESL/ECI. ESL 115X Special Topics may be offered at multiple levels in select semesters. The labs are meant to supplement learning of outcomes in the core classes and provide practice outside of the classroom. ESL 115 placement/credit each semester is determined by the ELCI director. 

 

How do students move from level to level, class to class? 

Students progress by achieving the outcomes in their classes, all of which include both a combination of independent out-of-class and in-class assessments. Each level in the ESL program can be completed in one semester if a student is full-time, so a student starting from the beginning level can complete five levels in five semesters. Beginning students may need to repeat a level; students may take classes over the summer as well to accelerate their progress. 

A “C,” which indicates satisfactory achievement of outcomes, is necessary to move to the next level in any of the reading, writing, or oral/receptive communication strands. Students also take post-tests, including the departmental essays, which apply to their grades but also show how students have improved as a whole. It is a “test” for our department – are we doing our job?” The pre-requisites and co-requisites are also posted in the course descriptions on the SCC website. 

 

 

 

For more information about the structure of the ELCI Department/Program, please contact Dr. Huffman at dhuffman@stchas.edu. Any verbal or written complaints about the program/classes may be directed first to the professor and then to Dr. Huffman, ELCI director/coordinator. Unresolved complaints may go to the dean and/or Academic Affairs Vice President. The coordinator keeps track of written complaints not resolved at the coordinator/dean level as well as formal complaints. Formal complaints are defined as those that go beyond the institution to an outside agency.

 

 

Note that international students are typically admitted twice a year, fall full semeseter and spring full semester, except in extenuating circumstances.

• Grading Scale Description
• SCC ELCI accreditation article
• 5yr Initial SCC English Language and Culture Institute
• ELCI Student Handbook
• CEFR/ACTFL Leveling
• Testing Information & Websites
• CEA Complaint process
• ESL Assessment Chart