Placement
Policy
The Idaho State Board of Education recently mandated changes in how students are placed in freshman writing at all of Idaho's colleges and universities. Among other things, this new policy raises the bar for students who hope to enter English 101, and makes it possible for some students with very high placement scores to avoid the writing requirement altogether. For details, see the new placement scores below.
New Placement Scores
| ACT English | SAT Verbal | COMPASS* | Class Indicated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-17 | 200-440 | 0-67 | E 90, then 101 and 102 |
| 18-24 | 450-560 | 68-94 | E 101, then E 102 |
| 25-30 | 570-690 | 95-99 | Credit for 101, take E102 |
| 31-36 | 700-800 | Credit for 101 and 102 |
* The COMPASS exam does not give credit for English 102.
What do computerized tests have to do with writing?
Not very much. The best way to assess writing ability is to actually do some writing, and have someone who is trained to evaluate writing make a judgment about placement. Unfortunately, this is costly and labor intensive, which is why some schools resort to multiple choice tests.
While we certainly can't blame students who want to use tests like the ACT and COMPASS to earn credit for first-year writing courses, they should know this: Such tests were never intended to be used for awarding course credit, and they have little relation to the curriculum they are intended to replace.
Before you decide to take advantage of the opportunity to "test out" of a writing course, consider how much you might have to gain by spending a semester or two working intensively on your writing. English 121, 122, 123 and English 90, English 101 and English 102 are the only classes in the university that make student writing the subject of the course. Close work with your instructor and your peers on your writing can make a difference in your academic success. It also might turn you on to writing for the rest of your life.
For more information, contact the Writing Program office at 426-4209.