The purpose of Spokane Falls Community College's Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is to raise the student's English proficiency quickly, so that the student can enroll in regular credit-earning college courses. The program is designed to improve the full range of English language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.

The IELP supports both colleges within the Community Colleges of Spokane: Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) and Spokane Community College (SCC). By completing the IELP program, the student receives an unconditional acceptance to both Spokane Falls Community College and Spokane Community College without having to submit a TOEFL score.

Our ESL Program offers you:

• Four levels of study
• The best computer language center available anywhere in Washington
• Classes held on-campus , with instructions by regular SFCC faculty. See Communications Building – Bldg 5 on the campus map. Or take a "Virtual Tour" of campus.
• ESL students are part of the regular student population, and can join in all student activities, including the International Club, the Peer Mentor Program, and any of the 30 other student clubs on campus.
• An opportunity to earn credit for up to 5 hours of volunteer work in Service Learning in the Spokane community, while practicing English on a regular basis.
• Upon completion of the ESL program, students receive an unconditional acceptance to both Spokane Falls Community College and Spokane Community College without having to submit a TOEFL score.
• A dynamic learning experience, in a pleasant and secure environment.

Service Learning

The student may also participate for up to 1 hour per week in Service Learning in the Spokane community. Service Learning is a rewarding way of learning in which students can improve their English by volunteering in the Spokane community. Students are placed in various locations (schools, hospitals, businesses, government offices, volunteer agencies, etc) and can interact with Americans concerning real, important issues on a regular basis. Service Learning is not a required part of the ESL program, but all students in the IELP have the opportunity to participate in Service Learning, and all placement is under the strict supervision and control of Spokane Falls Community College. Visit the Service Learning Center web page for more information.

IELP Admissions Process

The student's program in the IELP begins upon arrival to campus. At that time, the student is administered a language placement examination that measures their English language ability in two primary areas: listening comprehension and reading comprehension. Currently, the IELP is using the Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP) as placement examination. Visit the TOEFL Web Site for SLEP description and details.

At Spokane Falls Community College, the results of the placement test, together with interviews with the ESL administrative team, are used to determine the student's entry level in the IELP. No entering student is guaranteed a placement level in the IELP based on their apparent English proficiency, letters of recommendation or diplomas from other language programs. The placement test is the primary determinant of entry level for the IELP.

IELP Progress Levels

SFCC's IELP has 4 Levels: 50, 60, 70, and 80 level. Students progress to the next higher level at the completion of each level. Normally, students complete each level in one quarter, although in some cases students may advance more than one level in one quarter. Students exit the program by completing the requirements of the 80 level. In most cases, students are encouraged to enroll in 90's level Bridge Courses to further enhance their English proficiency. Students completing these 90 level Bridge Classes receive regular college credit.

After exiting the IELP, and prior to commencement of regular college classes, students receive a second examination. Students planning to enroll at Spokane Community College take the ASSET test. Students planning to enroll at Spokane Falls Community College take the COMPASS test. Both tests are designed to measure a student's writing, reading, and numerical skills, and are administered to ALL incoming students both resident and international. The results of these tests are used to determine at what level students may enroll in specific academic courses in the college. For example, a high score on the numerical portion of the ASSET test may allow the student to enroll in higher-level mathematics courses.