Pellissippi State is a two-year college that has agreements with various regional four-year colleges. Most of the courses that we teach are essentially the same courses taught at four-year institutions, although Pellissippi has smaller classes and more individual attention from teachers than most four-year institutions do. Our ESL program is a special course designed for the needs of non-native-English-speaking students.
What tests determine my placement in English courses?
The AAPP is a group of tests, including tests for reading, writing, and math. The reading and math components of this test are graded by computer. The writing assessment is called a holistic essay and is graded by a team of English-as-a-Second Language instructors.
Do I have to take pre-college English courses?
If you receive a score of 2 or 3 on your AAPP writing assessment, or a score below 28 on your Reading test, you must take pre-college English courses because your English is not strong enough for college-level courses.
Do native English speakers have to take these courses, too?
Many do. We have a large and strong pre-college preparation program for native English speakers. A large percentage of our college freshmen arrive at Pellissippi with reading, writing, or math skills that are not adequate for success in college. We have developed several programs, including the ESL program, that help strengthen students' skills so that they will be able to compete effectively in college-level courses.
Can I study English part-time at the ESL program?
Almost all students take the full course-load at the ESL program. The five courses are very closely tied together, and if you tried to take just one or two of them, you might not understand materials that were taught in other classes at the same time.We are presently developing an evening conversation and pronunciation course so that students who wish to focus on speaking can do so if they wish.
How many courses do I have to take to keep my student visa?
International students must be full time--with 12 hours or more of class time per week--to keep theirstudent visas.
WhenI am finished with the ESL program, do I have to take more English courses?
Probably. It depends on your major. If you are going to transfer to the University of Tennessee or another four-year college, you will have to take two freshman English courses and two sophomore literature courses. But if you are taking a technology associate technical degree, you may need only one more semester of freshman English.Your advisor can discuss this with you.
After I finish courses at Division Street and move to the main Pellissippi campus, will I have to take English classes with Americans, or are there more ESL classes that I can take?
At the main campus, we offer ESL sections of freshman English--English 1010 and English 1020.These courses are fully transferable to other colleges.
Is there an attendance requirement?
Yes. Attendance is very important in the ESL program. You can miss up to 8 classes in any subject without penalty, but after that your grade will be lowered by approximately half a letter grade for each absence. After 13 absences in any one course, you willnot be able to pass the course.