Noncredit ESL: Finding a Pathway to a Better Future ASCCC Spring 2008 Plenary Session Ad Hoc Noncredit Committee Presenter: Sara McKinnon College of Marin ESL Department

Dong, Connie and Athena

Where are our students from? College of Marin Program Review Data 2007

Noncredit serves all students regardless of educational background: College of Marin Program Review Data 2007

The open-entry/open-exit system: College of Marin Program Review Data 2007

Although noncredit is open-exit, 60% who began the first day remain at the end of the semester! College of Marin Program Review Data 2007

The advantages and disadvantages of open-entry/open-exit for waitlisted students Of 431 students surveyed : 19% waited 3-4 months 45% waited 1 to 2 months7% waited 5-6 months 22% waited less than one month 6% waited over 6 months College of Marin Program Review Data 2007

While noncredit allows for course repetition, the majority of students move on after taking the class only once or twice. College of Marin Program Review Data 2007

Reasons for taking ESL classes 2007 Survey at College of Marin Noncredit 485 students Credit 133 students Improve their lives and ability to work now 65%82% Better English for a better job 59%49% Take other credit classes outside ESL 19%27% Working towards a vocational certificate 23%24% Working towards AA/AS degree 16%29% To transfer 9%26%

Making the Leap to Credit Classes

Based on 458 responses in 2007, finding time for school is a major factor:  21% work more than 40 hours/week  40% work hours/week  17% work hours/week  8% work hours/week 14% work 0-10 hours/week 15% of the women have children College of Marin Program Review Data 2007

Concerns of Noncredit ESL Students considering the move to Credit ESL Classes 85% concerned about the credit ESL class schedule not matching their needs 78% concerned about not having a strong enough English level and about having to complete homework regularly 76% concerned about the cost 72% concerned about making the commitment they think is required of credit ESL students College of Marin Program Review Data 2007

Addressing Student Concerns Scheduling  How do I juggle family, work and school? Preparation  Is my English good enough? Cost  What if my work schedule changes? Commitment  Will I be able to attend all the classes and complete the homework assignments?

Strategies to encourage students to move on to Credit ESL Added a college ESL preparation course in 2004 Instituted the credit placement test in class at the end of every semester Made sure an ESL Counselor visited classes Asked credit ESL teachers to talk to our classes College of Marin Program Review Data 2007

A way for students to visualize the sequence from noncredit to credit. --College of Marin

Successful Transitions!!! 65% or a total of 288 students made the jump to credit: 72% of these moved to credit 28% of these moved to credit through Community Ed 35% continued their lives better prepared than before Between , 438 students were enrolled in the College ESL Preparation Classes. College of Marin Program Review Data 2007

For more information: Sara McKinnon, ESL Department College of Marin 835 College Ave. Kentfield, CA ext. 7924