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Assessment and Course Sequences
West Valley College uses tests and other measures to
assess basic skill levels so students can better match their abilities
with course requirements, select appropriate courses, and improve
their chances for success.
The college administers assessment tests in Reading,
Writing, and English as a Second Language (ESL). You must take the
Reading test at some point if you wish to receive an associate's degree
from West Valley, and we highly recommend that you take it at the
beginning of your education here. It provides valuable information
on your reading skills and on whether reading courses would benefit
you in college.
We strongly recommend that you take the Writing test
in order to determine your level of English placement. If you do not
take this test, you will have to see a counselor for a waiver in order
to enroll in any English class above English 903.
Math placement is best assessed with the help of a counselor
based on past performance in mathematics courses.
Assessments are advisory recommendations. Other factors,
such as work and life experience, motivation, and academic history,
can also affect the likelihood of success in particular courses. If
you are unhappy with your placement, see a counselor to discuss the
possibility of waiver.
Assessments
Reading
Comprehension Assessment
You will have 45 minutes to answer 45 questions. The
result will indicate whether you have met the California Community
College graduation requirement for reading. If not, it will recommend
placement in a reading course.
English Writing Assessment
You will have 45 minutes to write an essay on a topic
provided at the start of the test.
The result will recommend placement in English 903, 905, or 1A.
ESL Assessment
If you are a non-native speaker of English and would
like to take ESL courses in writing and grammar, reading and vocabulary,
or listening and speaking, you can take the ESL assessment for placement
in such courses.
Course Sequences
Reading Course Sequence
Note: Passing Reading 53 or
testing at or above the 12th grade reading level will satisfy the
reading proficiency requirement for obtaining an associate's degree
at West Valley College.
English Writing Course Sequences
Note To obtain an associate's
degree from West Valley College, you must pass English 1A. To transfer
to a four-year college, you usually need to pass English 1B or 1C.
Math Sequences Based on Educational Goals
Math Sequence for Graduation with an Associate's
Degree
Note Students who complete
Geometry, Intermediate Algebra, or a higher-level course with a C
or better in high school have fulfilled the Math graduation requirement.
A high school transcript showing satisfactory completion of such a
course must be submitted to the assessment office.
Math Sequence to Meet Admission Requirements for
Cal State Universities (CSU)
*This course has a prerequisite of Math 106, 106R, or
107
**These courses have a prerequisite of high school or college geometry
(Math 104)
Note All students need to
take one transferable math class, defined as a math class beyond Algebra
2, for admission to CSU. Many students also need to build their math
skills before taking transferable math. Please see a counselor for
help with math placement.
Math Sequence to Satisfy the
IGETC Pattern for Transfer to UC or CSU Campuses
Please note Some majors require
specific math classes. See a counselor for more information.
Math Path for Majors that Require Calculus (Engineering,
Architecture, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Many Science Majors)
Tip #1 Math is sequential.
It is very difficult to skip a level.
Tip #2 If it has been a long
time since you have taken a math class, you may want to go back and
retake what you completed in high school.
For more information, please go to West Valley's Assessment
web site. For course descriptions, visit West Valley's catalog
online.
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West Valley College. All Rights Reserved.
