Intensive English Program (IEP)
Courses in the Intensive English Program (IEP) focus on academic English and are designed to help international students acquire the English language skills necessary to enter and succeed in college level classes and programs. Pierce College English proficiency requirements are discussed in the Getting Started at Pierce section of this catalog.
International students enrolled in IEP attend classes for 20 hours per week per quarter (10 weeks). IEP classes are taught at four levels of English proficiency: beginning, intermediate, high intermediate and advanced. All language skill areas are addressed: grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking, with lessons on conversation skills and pronunciation included.
All IEP courses are non-credit and non-transferable, and will not count toward associate degree graduation requirements.
International students who complete a portion of their IEP classes may be able to register for credit-bearing academic classes in addition to their remaining IEP classes. The academic classes will be chosen with the help of an advisor. Students who are taking a mixture of IEP and academic courses will need to be in class for at least 15 hours per week.
The following courses are offered each quarter:
IE 11/21/31/41 Intensive English Reading/Writing 1-4
IE 12/22/32/42 Intensive English Grammar 1-4
IE 13/23/33/43 Intensive English Listening and Speaking 1-4
Student Learning Outcomes available on the Intensive English Program website.
Transitional Education
College Success
Offered through structured classes or arranged lab format, the College Success program offer students a flexible way to gain invaluable study skills in such topics as test and note-taking strategies, time management and career planning. Classes are offered both daytime and evening.
COLLG 110 College Success (3 credits)
COLLG 115 Personal and Academic Success (5 credits)
Basic Education for Adults (BEdA)
Basic Education consists of the following programs, which are offered at both Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and Pierce College Puyallup: Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Completion (HSC), Pierce College Adult Diploma (PCAD), General Education Development (GED) and Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST). Students enrolled in ABE and ESL courses will earn S/P/NP grades. For more information, visit the General Education and Basic Skills website.
Note: these programs do not apply to international students on F-1 visas. International students interested in high school completion must contact the International Education department.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program provides courses in English reading, writing, speaking, listening, computer technology and job readiness skills, with special emphasis on developing communication capabilities and improving language proficiency necessary for Pierce College Adult Diploma (PCAD) classes, I-BEST programs, professional technical, Transitional Education classes, and college programs. The courses also include workplace basics and computer literacy for students to improve their employment opportunities. The classes are offered during the day or evenings at both colleges and at sites within the community. Students who are on B-1, B-2, F-1, J-1 or M-1 Visas must register for courses listed under Intensive English/International Education.
General Education Development (GED)
The GED consists of four tests: Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Science. Students can take PCAD classes to review topics in specific subject matter to increase skills prior to taking the tests. Once students are ready to take the test go to www.gedtestingservice.com to schedule and pay.
High School Completion
Pierce College offers high school courses for students to earn a Washington High School Diploma. Courses include writing, mathematics, reading, history and science. Classes meet for 5-12 hours per week and are available mornings, afternoons, or evenings. Classes are offered at the Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup campuses.
The benefits of having a high school diploma include employability, higher wages, and career advancement.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
Any individual who does not have a high school diploma and who meets the college’s general admission requirements may enter the high school completion program. However, the program is not designed for students who normally would be enrolled in the regular public school system. These students may attend under certain conditions. Some of the guidelines are:
• A student who is still attending high school must obtain a release from his or her school district showing the class(es) the student is permitted to take.
• Any student under the age of 19 must obtain a release from the school district where he or she would normally be attending high school.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
• Make an appointment with an advisor. Fort Steilacoom: (253) 912-3743 or Puyallup: (253) 864-3162
• For students who are receiving a high school diploma from Pierce College, a transcript of all previous high school or other school work is required. If necessary, staff will help students obtain transcripts.
REQUIREMENTS
• All students must meet Pierce College High School and Washington state credit requirements.
• Any student who began high school in 2004 or later must take and pass the Washington State Assessment or state-approved alternatives.
• Pierce College requires 20 credits and the above requirements for a high school diploma.
• All students must take a placement assessment.
• Home schooled students must provide transcripts and test documentation per Washington state and Pierce College requirements.
Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST)
Pierce College Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) is open to all Pierce College Adult Diploma (PCAD), Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Education Development (GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), and pre-college level adult learners. I-BEST programs provide high quality academic and workforce skills training and teaching excellence. All I-BEST programs have two instructors in all courses, added hours to increase success, and advising support. Students interested in careers in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration and Nursing Assistant are ideal for I-BEST. Students in I-BEST programs:
- Earn a college certificate that prepares them to work in a high demand career
- Increase their academic skills while earning college-level credits applicable to a college degree
- Design a career pathway that provides meaningful mileposts and real destinations
- Increase their abilities and opportunities for advancement in their chosen career
- Build a bridge to the future through a commitment to lifelong learning
For more information, call (253) 964-6691.
Business Technology (IBEST) Certificate Course Map
Nursing Assistant Certified (IBEST) Certificate Course Map
Pierce College Adult Dipolma (PCAD)
The Pierce College Adult Diploma (PCAD) program offers a flexible curriculum based on student credit needs that helps students achieve their goals. Regardless of how long it has been since a student’s education was interrupted, students can get back on track, earn college credit, and obtain a Washington state high school diploma. Classes are available mornings, afternoons or evenings. All classes meet four times per week M-Th. A high school diploma requires 20 high school credits, including the completion of Pierce College’s required courses of College Success and an ITRANS college transitional class in English, reading or math. Graduates from Pierce College’s high school program will have developed college-ready skills.
This program is for adults who are age 21 or older. However, students who are 19 or 20 years old are welcome to take classes, but the high school credits that are earned will not appear on Pierce’s transcripts until the student turns 21. Students who are 16-18 years old will need a release from their high school to enroll in the GED program.
New students need to meet with a high school completion adviser to evaluate their transcripts (transcripts can be unofficial to enter the program, however, official high school transcripts must be on file before a high school diploma can be issued). After meeting with the advisor, the student will attend an orientation and be scheduled for the state required CASAS testing. Students are then enrolled in classes based on their skills assessment results.
For questions, more information, or to start your enrollment process, please call:
- Fort Steilacoom (253) 964-6657
- Puyallup (253) 840-8455
Reading
Offered through a combination learning lab/lecture format, the reading program provides students a personalized way to increase their reading comprehension. READ 099 is a requirement for students who upon entrance score below college-level based on test scores and other assessments that are used for placement. Successful completion of the course, with a 2.0 or better, is required for enrollment in ENGL& 101 .
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