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Placement Levels

At College of the Canyons, we place students in courses that maximize the probability of success. Often times, students will be placed in courses with others who have a similar academic history. In accordance with AB 705 and AB 1805, students have the right to access transfer-level math and English coursework, along with academic credit ESL coursework. As a result, every placement level on our assessment system includes a transfer-level English and math placement course. In addition, for those students with ESL advisory placements, they may choose to optionally enroll in ESL courses up to ESL 100 or English 101, regardless of their ESL placement level. You can read through the courses comprised in each placement level for Math, English, and ESL below. For students planning on enrolling in math courses, please note that while you may choose to take courses from lower placement levels, you may not directly enroll in courses from higher placement levels without first completing the necessary  prerequisite coursework.     

Math

In January 2019, the mathematics department changed to a 5 level placement system, as shown in the table below. If you assessed prior to 2019 and need help with determining your placement levels or if you should reassess, please contact assessment at 661-362-3457. Note that many courses are available in more than one level, but if you see a course with a 90-level support course the two must taken at the same time. We offer placement charts in person at each our centers, and you will receive one upon completion of your assessment. 

NOTE: Math Courses 140X, 103X, 102X, :  Starting Fall 2022, 140X replaces 140-90, 103X replaces 103-93, and 102x replaces 102-92. The manadory support courses for these courses are now combined into a single course. Think of the "X" as "extra" support versions of the courses. Students at Level 3 or higher will enroll in non-X versions of the courses as needed. 

Starting May 12th, 2023 the following chat has been updated. If your placements do not match these course options, you can speak with the assessment office about reassessment options at assessment@canyons.edu

Math Level 1 Math Level 2 Math Level 3 Math Level 4 Math Level 5

Math 140X (140 with support)

Math 130

Math 100

Psy 104/Soci 137

Econ 291

Math 103X (103 with support)

Math 102X  (102 with support) 

Math 240 (Bus. Majors)

Math 140

Math 130

Math 100

Psy 104/Soci 137

Econ 291

Math 103X (103 with support)

Math 102X  (102 with support)

Math 240 (Bus. Majors)

Math 140

Math 130

Math 100

Psy 104/Soci 137

Econ 291

Math 102

Math 103

Math 104

Math 240 (Bus. Majors)

 Math 140

Math 130

Math 100

Psy 104/Soci 137

Econ 291

Math 103

Math 104

Math 211

Math 240 (Bus. Majors)

 Math 140

Math 130

Math 100

Psy 104/Soci 137

Econ 291

Math 211

Math 212

Math 240 (Bus. Majors)

 

English

As of Fall, 2019 the English department discontinued course placements below the transfer level. As a result, all students who assess in English will place into our new English composition course (English Level 101 4 Units). 

ESL

As of Fall 2019, all students who assess will be made eligible to enroll into English 101, however, our placement system will still generate advisory (optional) coursework placements for students whose first language is not English. For ESL students, we highly recommend they first meet with one of our advisors or counselors prior to enrolling into ESL 090, 100, or English 101 to get assistance with determining the best course of action.  

Advisory Level: ESL 090 

Note*: Students with placement may also choose to access transfer-level courses ESL 100 or English 101 

Advisory Level: ESL 100 

Note*: Students with placement may also choose to access transfer-level courses ESL 100 or English 101 

About ESL 90

Develops academic reading, writing, and vocabulary skills at the low advanced level. Focuses on essay writing and reading of fiction and non-fiction materials.

Notice: ESL 80 / 83 has been replaced with ESL 90 as of Fall 2020. Students with an 80/83 level, (or lower historical placement), may choose to enroll in ESL 90, 100, or English 101. Speak with an advisor or counselor if you need help with your options. 

 

About ESL 100

Prepares non-native speakers for transfer-level English composition courses with focus on writing multi-paragraph researched essays.

Notice: Students with an ESL 100 placement may choose to enroll directly into ESL 100 or English 101. Speak with an advisor or counselor if you need help with your options. 

 ESL Non-Credit

In addition to credit ESL courses, College of the Canyons offers free non-credit ESL options to consider. These courses are great choices to help improve your language skills before enrolling in credit courses, and are also great for those seeking to improve their language skills without earning credit toward a college degree or certificate. Visit the non-credit ESL page here to learn more.