The Pre-college program includes pre-college courses, academic advising, and career counseling to academic and professional technical students attending the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Institute or an off-campus college or university. The Support Service Coordinator assists students in completing college/university applications, financial aid forms, scholarships, and for developing, implementing, and maintaining programs that enhance the successful retention of academic and professional-technical students.
Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in pre-college classes Math 1, Math 2, Writing 1, Writing 2, or Study Skills, students must complete four requirements:
- A high school diploma or a GED certificate
- A placement test
- Career Information System (eCIS)Assessment
Application Procedures
Please complete a Coeur d’Alene Tribal Institute application available at the Department of Education office or online. We can also mail or FAX you an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do the classes cost?
Pre-college classes are provided without charge. There is no cost for materials for Coeur d’Alene Tribal members. Students who are not enrolled members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe may purchase books through Mica Peak Exchange Bookstore at North Idaho College.
Will pre-college classes count towards a degree?
Pre-college classes are non-credit; however, completion of these classes will help you master the skills necessary for college success.
How do I know which classes I need to take?
Make an appointment to take a placement test at the DOE office in Plummer. The test consists of three parts: Math, Writing, and Reading. Some students take the test in one session, but others take each test separately.
Where and when do classes meet?
Most classes meet at DOE at 850 A Street. However, other classrooms in Plummer are used occasionally. Call the Support Services Coordinator at 686-5115 or the DOE Office Manager at 686-7322 if you are not sure where or when class meets. Most classes meet twice weekly for ninety minutes. Non-credit classes are usually twelve weeks long.
Pre-college classes
Students will complete a placement test prior to the first class meeting. The test results will indicate the appropriate placement for students in Writing 1 or Writing 2 and Math 1 or Math 2.
Math 1
Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics is an accelerated and preparatory course in Basic Operations on the Real Numbers. Topics will include Fractions, Decimals Percent Problems, Exponents, Scientific Notation as well as Applications of each. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be better prepared to achieve greater success in their High School course work. In addition the student will be able to enroll in the subsequent Tribal Institute courses in Pre-College Mathematics.
Math 2
Pre – college Math 2 is the second of three courses in preparation for subsequent college level course work in mathematics. This Course is designed to prepare the student in such topics as: Signed numbers; Variables; Polynomials; Exponents; Factoring; Solving and graphing first degree equations and inequalities. In this course we will also be investigating the solutions of factorable second degree equations as well. The emphasis in this course is that of application; therefore, we will be working with the “Story Problem” throughout the entirety of the course. Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to pass the “Compass Test” and enroll in course 3 of this series, which is Math 108 from North Idaho College.
Writing 1
Writing 1 offers introductory instruction in grammar, sentence construction, and paragraph development. This class includes instruction in constructing simple, compound, and complex sentences. In addition, students write thesis and topic statements, and develop paragraphs with three levels of support. It is run as a “Writer’s Workshop” to help those student improve skills before taking a college composition course.
Writing 2
Writing 2 is a course which focuses on building sentences, constructing paragraphs, and writing various types of essays. Students develop critical analysis skills through guided reading, reader response, and discussion of a novel. At the completion of this class, students should be able to score high enough on the COMPASS placement test to take credit English classes at North Idaho College.
Pre-college Study Skills
Pre-college Study Skills provides instruction and practical study techniques that lead to academic success. By learning how students learn best, we develop strategies that help students remember more and become more efficient learners. Students learn how to take notes from a variety of sources and how to turn those notes into study guides to prepare for tests. By organizing a notebook and prioritizing responsibilities, students improve time management, procrastinate less, and reduce stress. Students learn how to write a research paper and document sources in MLA format. Students create and present a Power Point presentation on their research topic. Lastly, students learn strategies for successfully managing an on-line college level course.