Student achievement will be assessed using the mastery system in accordance with College policy. Evaluation will be based on CLB and instructor specified criteria. Mastery will be granted to students who achieve an average of 70% on the following portfolio items for both reading and writing. For final evaluation at the end of term, student portfolios will contain at least six reading tasks and six writing tasks; some tasks may be a combination of both skills.
Evaluation will include, but may not be limited to, the following tasks.
Reading
Read and understand at least 2 academic texts (up to 4 pages) such as textbook excerpts, short scientific reports, encyclopedia articles or journal articles. Assessment criteria may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Distinguish facts from opinions.
- Evaluate ideas to draw conclusions.
- Identify organization of text and links between paragraphs.
Read and understand at least one formatted texts such as a form, graph, table, schedule, directory or course calendar. Assessment criteria may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Identify layout and organization of text to find information needed.
- Finds 3-4 pieces of information by scanning the text.
- Follow sequence of a narration or process.
Read and understand at least one set of clear explicit instructions (~10-13 steps) or an instructional text (5-10 paragraphs). Assessment criteria may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Interpret sequence and location signals and implied meanings to infer correct sequence.
- Follow instructions as required to complete task.
Read and understand at least one informational text such as a public notice, community/college newsletter or bulletin, or short news article. Assessment criteria may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Identify main ideas, key details and some implied meanings.
- Identify writer’s purpose, intent, mood and attitude in sections of the text.
- Scan text and make inferences to select relevant information.
Read and understand at least one piece of personal/social/academic correspondence such as a letter, email or memorandum. Assessment criteria may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Identify specific factual details and implied meanings.
- Identify purpose of message.
- Identify reader/writer relationship.
- Identify mood and attitude of writer.
- Identify context, register and style.
Evaluate and compare information from at least 2 online reference sources. Assessment criteria may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Access relevant information using effective search strategies.
- Compare 3 or 4 pieces of information from different reference sources.
Writing
Write at least one formal comparison/contrast paragraph based on personal experience or responding to ideas and information in readings.
Write at least one formal cause/effect paragraph based on personal experience or responding to ideas and information in readings.
Write at least one multi-paragraph (2-3 paragraphs) composition.
Write at least two formal word-processed compositions. These may be single paragraphs or multi-paragraph compositions and may include the compositions mentioned above.
In class, plan, organize, and write at least two formal compositions.
Assessment criteria of the above compositions may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Address the purpose of the task.
- Express main ideas and support them with details.
- Present text as a coherent, connected whole with good use of appropriate connective words and phrases.
- Provide accurate and detailed descriptions, explanations or accounts of events in a clear sequence.
Write at least one outline or summary of a reading (up to 2 pages). Assessment criteria may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Reduce information to important points with accurate details and no major omissions.
- Record main ideas or key details in point form.
- Convey essential information.
- Record details such as names, addresses, dates, and directions legibly and with correct spelling.
Write at least one piece of formal academic correspondence (up to 2 paragraphs) such as a letter, email or application to pass on information, make or respond to a request, recommendation or warning. Assessment criteria may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Convey clear message and a sense of audience in language and format.
- Use some complex structures and vocabulary.
- Spells and uses punctuation, capitalization, dates and numbers correctly.
Write at least one piece of informal personal/social correspondence (2-3 paragraphs) such as a note, letter or email to express or respond to appreciation, complaints, disappointment, satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Assessment criteria may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Convey intended meaning.
- Use language, format and content appropriate and relevant to situation and audience.
- Express main ideas and support them with details.
Complete at least one paper-based or online form. Assessment criteria may include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
- Identify the purpose of the form and complete it with all the required information.
- Spell and use punctuation, capitalization, dates and numbers correctly.
Students may also be required to write informal compositions that meet instructor specified criteria for content, organization, language use and accuracy, and format. These assignments may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Journals that describe personal experience and respond to ideas and information in readings.
- Informal compositions that describe plot, characters, and/or setting in a short story.
Students may also be required to complete quizzes, both skill-based and content-based.
Classroom skills
Complete at least one self-assessment of learning strategies, progress, strengths, weaknesses, and classroom skills to be discussed with the instructor.