Testing and Level Placement
- How do we place you in levels?
- Intial Placement
- Placement of Returning Students
- Appeals Process
- What can I do if I think I'm at the wrong level?
- When can I go on to university work?
HOW DO WE PLACE YOU IN LEVELS?
When considering your placement, these are the GENERAL guidelines we use to make sure you are in the right level:
EPT SCORES |
DAS 136 Level |
DAS 138 Level> |
DAS 140 Level |
DAS 150 Level |
DAS 152 Level |
Part-time Classes |
Total Scores |
50-115 |
116-135 |
136-149 |
150-167 |
168+ |
183+ |
*Grammar, Listening, and Reading
GENERAL GUIDLINES:
Sometimes students want to be in a higher level because they think they will finish English sooner. This idea is usually incorrect. We don't expect students to take every level. Good students often jump over a level if they make good progress.
Students will not make good progress if they are put in a level that is too high for them. They will not be able to understand the teacher well enough. They will feel unsuccessful because the homework and tests will be too difficult. In addition, it is not fair to the other students to put a lower level student in their class. They do not want to wait while the teacher gives extra help to the student who cannot understand the work.
Sometimes students transfer from other English programs in the U.S. We cannot judge your English using test scores from another program. We can judge only your performance on the EPT. If you have studied English for a long time, your ability should show on our test. You may be put in a level that uses a textbook that you have used before. If you really know and can use the material in that book, you should do well enough on the EPT to place in a higher level. A low EPT score tells us that you may have seen the material in the book but that you do not yet know it.
Initial Placement in the ELP
When you first come to Kansas State University you will be placed in a level of the ELP based on your English Proficiency Test (EPT) score. We have used this standardized test for many years. We know that it is a good measure of English.
During the first week of each semester your teachers will be watching you in each class to be sure that you are in the right level. If you think that you should be in another level, it is very important for you to come to class every day, come on time, and do all your homework very carefully. Because the placement test is such a good measure of students' English, it is rare to move a student. However, sometimes we move a student if we see that the student will be able to do the work in the next level.
Placement and Appeals of Returning Students in DAS 136, 138, 140 & 150:
Returning students are placed in the appropriate level based on three criteria:
1. EPT scores from the test taken at the end of the previous semester
2. Achievement test scores given in every class at the end of every semester.
3. Positive teacher recommendations can help a student move up to a higher level. Negative teacher recommendations can stop a student from moving up to a higher level. So, it is very important for a student to go to class regularly, actively participate in class, do all the homework and do it well, and take all the required tests.
Appeals Process for students in DAS 136, 138, 140 & 150:
The ELP has a three-part process to reach final placement of students at the end of the semester:
Step 1 Pre-placement
a. Students are initially placed on total EPT scores
b. Students in borderline areas between levels are placed by Achievement Test Scores.
c. The pre-placement list is then given to the teachers for their consideration
Step 2 Instructor Request for Placement Changes
a. Instructors submit a request change form along with evidence of the student’s work
b. the Counseling Committee (with counselors and the Assistant Director with faculty representation) reviews requests and evidence and makes changes that they determine are justified.
c. Results are printed and given to students
Step 3 Student Appeals
a. Students may fill out an appeal form and submit it with any additional information or evidence by a set deadline.
b. The Appeals Committee (Counseling Committee + the Director or Associate Director) reviews the appeals and makes changes if justified.
Types of Evidence Submitted by the Instructor
Evidence supplied by instructors includes but is not limited to Academic / PowerPoint presentations (Speaking), in-class essays, summaries, and writing samples with the grading rubrics (Written Communication), in-class tests and quizzes (Reading and Listening), sample notes from note-taking lectures (Listening), and midterm tests (all classes.)
Types of Evidence Considered by the Committee
Types of evidence that the Counseling Committee considers (in addition to the evidence submitted by the instructor) includes but is not limited to rereading of the English Proficiency Test (EPT) essay with consideration of grammatical vs. rhetorical weaknesses, Student Achievement Forms (including graded homework, tests, quizzes, essays), note-taking (midterm and final) and comments from the instructors. The Committee also considers consistency of performance in all areas.
Types of Appropriate Evidence Submitted by the Student in Appeals
The students may appeal their placement. Student must fill out a form stating the desired result and reasons. Even though students may write anything they want, they are encouraged (in the orientation module on placement, in pre-results sessions, in the Student Handbook, and on the appeal form itself) to present evidential reasons. Examples would include but not be limited to: additional test scores (iBT, IELTS etc.), letters from departments suggesting appropriate coursework for the student’s level, e.g. a 1-credit Engineering orientation course, an undergraduate pre-requisite course for a graduate student etc., or grade assignments, papers, or tests in academic courses (for part-time students) indicating language proficiency skills.
Also, please remember three things:
- Communicate! If you don't talk to us, we don't know there is a problem.
- Understand! Sometimes you may feel you can work at a higher level. Your teachers want to challenge you, but they also want you to be successful. They know about all of the classes and what the requirements are for each class. Try the class. You might be surprised at what you learn!
- Remember! We can talk only about you. We cannot discuss your friends' placement or scores. It's against the rules of the University. We will be happy to discuss YOUR situation.
WHEN CAN I GO ON TO UNIVERSITY WORK?
The teachers use the following criteria when deciding if a student is ready to begin university work:
A. Admission
You must be admitted to the University as an undergraduate or a graduate student to take classes. If you haven't applied to K-State, then you cannot enroll in university classes. If you want to apply to K-State as a student, make an appointment to see an ELP Counselor. The Counselor will help you with the application procedure. For admissions policy please click here http://www.k-state.edu/elp/testing/ugadmit.htm
B. Minimum Test Scores
Part-Time KSU |
Full-Time KSU |
|
EPT |
||
Listening |
50 |
57 |
Structure |
50 |
57 |
Reading |
50 |
57 |
Essay |
33 |
39 |
a. For part-time All part scores must be reached
b. Essay scores of 36
require more writing. Scores of 37 - 39 depend on major and essay deficiencies (grammar vs. rhetorical)
c. Essay score trumps grammar score
C. Major
When we make recommendations, we consider your major. Some majors like business, economics, history, education, etc. require more English that other majors like math, chemistry or physics. Some Graduate departments have higher standards than others; for example, Landscape Architecture requires a 600 TOEFL.
If you are planning to apply to a graduate program, you need to visit the Graduate Program Advisor in the department you are planning to apply to. Ask them what the TOEFL requirement is. Ask them if they will accept the EPT in place of the TOEFL. You can find the program advisor in two ways:
- Go to the department and ask.
- Visit the ELP counselor (Leena Chakrabarti). She can help you identify the person you need to talk to.
D. Other
If you are in contact with your department and they have special conditions for you, please let us know. For example, maybe there are some undergraduate classes that you need to take before you begin your graduate work, or maybe your department has agreed to accept you with a lower TOEFL score.
If you have taken the TOEFL somewhere else, please bring us in a copy and we will put a copy in your file.
Pyramid : Information used to place students in levels and determine readiness to begin academic classes.
Placement and Appeals for Advanced Level Students (DAS 152 & 154)
Exit Levels
DAS 152- Advanced Full-time English and DAS 154 - Advanced Part-time English are "exit levels" - this means we expect that students at these levels will be able to leave (exit) the ELP after successfully completing either of these levels.
Exit Levels and Grades
- Students will get letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) in the exit levels (DAS 152 & DAS 154)
- Students who get grades of A, B, or C pass the class and do not have to take more ELP classes in that skill.
- Students who get a grade of D or F must retake the class.