Navigating Math Placement at Bellevue College: A Comprehensive Guide

Bellevue College (BC) requires most students to establish placement in math and English before enrolling in courses. This article provides a detailed overview of the math placement process at Bellevue College, including assessment methods, preparation strategies, and available resources, and accommodations.

Understanding Placement at Bellevue College

Placement is crucial for determining the courses a student is eligible to enroll in and for academic advisors to plan a student's education effectively. It is important to note that placement is separate from transferring credits from other institutions. While transferring credits involves receiving course equivalencies for completed college-level classes, placement focuses on assessing a student's current skill level to determine appropriate course placement.

If you are only at BC to take courses that do not have any math or English requirement, you do not need to establish placement. However, most students will take either math, English composition such as English 101, or another course that requires placement.

Initial Steps for Placement

Students are expected to submit a request for math and English placement using the request form. When students submit a request with no document, it is assumed that they want to test online, though students have the option to test on campus if they lack a quiet space or reliable internet at home. Online assessments are typically processed the next business day, excluding weekends and holidays.

To begin the process of becoming a student at Bellevue College, prospective students should set up an account using the Washington State online admission application. The application process is designed to be user-friendly with a step-by-step guide. On the application, students who have attended another college should choose "Transfer," while those attending college for the first time should select "First-year."

Math Placement via ALEKS

Bellevue College uses the ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) math assessment for math placement. The ALEKS Placement Assessment covers material from Basic Math through Precalculus and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. The ALEKS test is more comprehensive than the Compass test, giving students thirty questions instead of twelve. Students receive a report that shows the areas where they need work.

Preparing for the ALEKS Assessment

It is highly recommended that students spend several hours using the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module to maximize their score and increase the likelihood of placing into their preferred course. The ALEKS math assessment will identify the topics for you that you need to study. The ALEKS Placement Assessment consists of 25-30 open-ended questions that adapt to a student's particular skill level.

Bellevue College pays for the first ALEKS math account you create and your first assessment. In the ALEKS account you have up to 5 attempts. After taking the test, students receive a report that shows the areas where they need work, as opposed to Compass which used to just gives students a score. To retake, students must practice for five tracked hours. The ALEKS math assessment is timed at 4 hours. The highest level this test can place you is MATH& 151 Calculus. You are eligible to enroll in courses that are lower numbered than the one you placed into. For example, if you place into Math& 142, you may also enroll in Math& 141 if you feel more comfortable with that level.

Students have access to their ALEKS account for up to a year.

ALEKS vs. Compass

Previously, Bellevue College, like many other open enrollment colleges, used the Compass test for math placement. However, due to criticisms regarding its accuracy, ACT phased out the Compass test. Bellevue College then transitioned to the Aleks test for mathematics. Unlike the ACCUPLACER, Aleks is the long term replacement for Compass.

Read also: Bellevue College Mascot

Student Feedback on ALEKS

Feedback from students regarding the ALEKS test has been positive. Students appreciate the comprehensive nature of the test and the personalized feedback it provides.

Alternative Placement Options

Yes you can use a COLLEGE course in progress to clear entry to the next course in a sequence. Submit a screenshot or evidence of enrollment clearly showing your name, the institution and the current course.

Transferring Credits

Students can transfer credits from other colleges, professional certifications, military training, or even get credit for work and life experience. Bellevue College also accepts exams such as AP, IB, and A-Levels. To initiate the credit transfer process, students need to send their official transcript(s) and documentation to Bellevue College. Next, students need to complete the credit review request form to notify the college that all necessary documents have been submitted. Processing times for transcript evaluations can take several weeks, so it is recommended to start the process as early as possible.

Placement for Specific Student Groups

College in the High School (CHS) students meet the same placement and/or course prerequisites as any other students who attend Bellevue College. High school teachers are responsible for verifying that course placement/prerequisites are met. Teachers may perform the verification or ask their Registrar or counselor for assistance.

Testing Accommodations at Bellevue College

Bellevue College is committed to providing equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) offers a variety of accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities can participate fully in the college experience.

Alternative Formats for Books and Course Materials

The Accommodations Team provides students with alternative formats of their texts. In most cases, faculty do not need to do anything except provide access to materials when needed. The DRC will provide course texts and materials in accessible PDFs, MP3 audio files, plain text format, and tactile graphics or diagrams when needed for the student. The DRC will provide access to Read&Write assistive technology software and Speechify text to speech software for the student. The or student will provide access to a physical copy of the course text.

Testing Accommodations

Testing Accommodations are for any type of test, quiz, exam, midterm, or final proctored in the classroom, in the Testing Center, or online. Students can always use our Testing Center to take tests by scheduling an appointment at least 3 days in advance or 15 days before finals. Please complete the Exam Proctor Form before a student takes an exam with the . This allows the proctor to understand your testing parameters.

Available exam accommodations include:

Computer for Testing
Magnifying Software
Read&Write for Exams
Screen Reader software (JAWS)
DRC Testing Center
Private Testing
Reduced Distraction/Quieter Location
Dimming of Lights
Ergonomic Chair
Height-adjustable Table
Wheelchair User
Fidget Use in Exams
Allowed to Use Grammar Feature on Computer
Allowed to Use Noise-Dampening Ear Muffs, Earplugs, etc.
Allowed to Wear Sunglasses, Eye Covering, Hat, etc.
Ruler for Scantron Exams
Spell Checker or Dictionary
Breaks During Exams
DRC Supervised Use of Phone During Breaks
Exam Broken Into Sections
Music During Exams
No More than 2 Questions Per Exam Page
Remote Testing
Remote Testing (Occasional)
Student Allowed to Read Aloud
Testing only on Paper, No Computer Exams
Back Not to Door
Afternoon Exams Only
Morning Exams Only
One Exam Per Day

Classroom Accommodations

Classroom Accommodations may be relevant to in-person, Zoom/Teams, and lab class settings. Each accommodation will specify if it is relevant to a specific setting. Accommodations include:

Access to Modules
Allowed to Use Spell Checker or Dictionary for Class
Assignments: Do Not Grade Down for Minor Spelling Errors
Assignments: Samples of Completed Assignments (If Available)
Class Discussion: Do Not Cold Call on Student in Class
Class Discussion: Only Call on Student When Hand is Raised
Class Discussion: Please Allow a Pause When Calling on Student
Flexibility in Attendance
Flexibility in Deadlines
In-Person Class: Allowed to Have and Consume Food and Drink
Lab Class: Exposure to Lab and Materials Before First Lab
Lecture Notes: Audio Recording Lecture/Instruction
Lecture Notes: Copies of PowerPoints
Lecture Notes: Genio Notes
Math Only: No Public or Group Math Work
No Public or Group Reading Aloud
Personal Aide in Class for Physical Assistance Only
Personal Material: Fidget Use in Class
Personal Material: Headphones or Earplugs During Class
Reader: Assignments Relating to Color
Remote Course: No Camera Required for Zoom/Video Lecture

Communication Access

Communication Access includes any accommodation for a student who is Deaf or hard of hearing plus any other related accommodations. Accommodations include:

ASL Interpreter
Otter

Other Accommodations

Other accommodations include:

Volunteer Notetaker
Early Referral for Tutoring
Part-time externship hours
Room Change: Reduced Distraction

Additional Resources and Support

Bellevue College offers a range of resources to support students throughout their academic journey.

Basic and Transitional Studies Department (BaTS): BaTS programs work to build skills in math and English, serving students with diverse backgrounds and education levels.
Student Central Dashboard: Students can check the status of their application, inquiry, or request on the Student Central Dashboard.
New Student Orientation: Completing the New Student Orientation is helpful for all new students, even those with prior college experience.
Academic Success Center: This center provides tutoring services, which can be particularly helpful for students needing extra support in math.
Student Coaches: Contact your Student Coach to register for your course.

tags: #bellevue #college #math #placement #process