WATC offers many programs, services, and classroom activities to promote and support student connections and success in the learning process. Mandatory assessment and placement in basic skills courses is an important first step. Ensuring that students begin academic courses at the appropriate level is critical to helping students become involved in the learning process. Such placement allows students to connect with other students with common academic challenges and abilities as well as build the necessary academic skills to move forward.

Students who are seeking a degree, certificate or are registering for 12 or more credit hours are required to complete placement tests in English reading, English writing and mathematics. Students registering for less than 12 credit hours are required to complete placement tests in English reading, English writing and mathematics prior to registering for English composition or math courses or after attempting 12 credit hours. Once the student has attempted 12 credit hours, they will be put on assessment hold and not allowed to enroll until assessment requirements are fulfilled. All or part of testing may be waived by providing one of the following documentation:

• For English writing: An ACT English score of 20 or above
• For English reading: An ACT Reading score of 18 or above
• For Mathematics: An ACT Mathematics score of 21 or above
• Presenting a college degree from an accredited institution. Appropriate mathematics and English courses must have been taken.
• Documentation of college grades of “C” or better in writing, mathematics, or reading course prerequisites.
• Documentation of prior successful assessment results within the last three years from another institution.
• Documentation of ASSET, SAT or ACCUPLACER minimum scores; see Program Exceptions and Course Placement for General Education for specific minimum scores.

After students are assessed, they are placed into the appropriate course. Students must successfully complete the required course(s) to move to the next level of coursework. Once a student begins a math course sequence, they cannot retest or skip a course level. Placement is enforced through the student registration system. It is also monitored after grades are posted at the end of each semester. Students who do not complete required coursework with a grade of “C” or better are notified and are required to re-register for the course.

WATC provides students with the opportunity to retest up to two times should they feel their initial assessment results do not adequately reflect their ability. If the student still feels the placement is inaccurate, they may meet with the WATC Assessment and Placement Appeals Committee. This committee will review any evidence submitted by the student and make a final decision regarding the student’s appropriate placement. The decisions made by the Assessment and Placement Appeals Committee will be final.

Retesting guidelines and fees
ACT™ COMPASS™ — Retest two times per test section per calendar year, $5 per test.
ACT™ WorkKeys® — Retest two times per test section per calendar year, $10 per test.
ATI™ TEAS® — Retest two times per test section per calendar year, $25 per test.
Valpar — Retest two times per calendar year, $50 per test.