Developmental Education


About Developmental Education

Developmental classes cover the fundamentals. They prepare students for future college coursework, especially if they want to go on to earn a certificate or associate degree. Developmental classes are easy to find in our college catalog because they are numbered below 100. (ENG 020, for example). These are JJC classes and therefore require tuition payments.

Developmental Education helps students:

  • Prepare for college success
  • Place into the right class 
  • Develop learning strategies
  • Find solutions to barriers in learning

Visit JJC's Online Course Catalog

Why would a student take a developmental education class?

These classes will help students learn the fundamentals of math and English before diving into higher level college courses. Students in these classes will grow academically and professionally. Support services like counseling, advising and tutoring are available. 

What about English as a Second Language (ESL) students?

JJC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses for non-native English speakers. These courses are helpful because they:

  • Celebrate diversity and culture
  • Address specific needs to English language learners (including reading, writing, grammar, speaking and listening)
  • Are taught specifically for students who are fluent in other languages

More About Developmental Education Courses

  • How To Know Which Classes To Take

    How To Know Which Classes to Take

    Take a Test
    Students should take one of the following exams listed below. From there, we can determine which English or math class would be a good place for you to start.

    • ACT
    • PARCC
    • SAT
    • Accuplacer
    • ALEKS
    • Success Navigator
    • GED
    • HiSET
       

    Learn More About Tests

    Previous College-Level Coursework
    If students have taken classes at other colleges, they can be used to determine which class they should start with at JJC. Students should make sure JJC has a copy of their official transcripts from their previous college.

    How to Send Transcripts to JJC

  • Course Descriptions

    General Education Classes

    Many JJC degrees require students to take general education classes, and many of these gen eds require prerequisites.

    To enroll in a general education class, students need to do one of the following:

    • Score high enough on a placement exam
    • Take developmental classes with a passing grade to enroll in a general education class. 
       

    JJC developmental courses are available in reading, writing, mathematics and student success.
     

    English Developmental Classes

    Type of Course

    English Classes

    English Classes For English Language Learners*

    Courses for
    Reading Preparation

    Courses for
    Writing
    Preparation

    Recommended
    Courses

     

    Visit the English Philosophy and World Languages page for more information about our English developmental education classes.

    *English Language Learners: These courses are intended for students who hold a high school diploma or its equivalent and have previously studied English in the U.S. or in their native countries.

    **Students who place into ENG 099 for writing can participate in a special pilot section of ENG 101 if they place into ENG 101 for reading.

    ***Only students who place into both ENG 021 and ENG 099 (or successfully complete both ENG 020 and ENG 098) are eligible to enroll in English 096.

    Math Developmental Classes

    College-level Mathematics courses have a Geometry prerequisite.


    Ability-to-Benefit

    Academic Degrees
    Your high school diploma or GED may restrict your ability to apply for certain JJC programs including, but not limited to: 

    • Nursing
    • Radiology Technology
       

    Financial Aid
    In order to be eligible for some form of financial aid, you must have either a high school diploma or GED/equivalent.

    Ability-to-Benefit Test for Financial Aid
    If you do not have a high school diploma or GED/equivalent, and you also did not complete high school in a home school setting, you may still be able to qualify for financial aid by passing an "Ability-to-Benefit" Test. This test is available to both ESL and non-ESL students and must be completed in one sitting. The test is made up of sections in writing, reading and pre-algebra; or, ESL reading, ESL grammar/usage and ESL listening. If you do not pass the test, you can retake the test after 30 days.

  • Free Tutoring & Student Support

    Need help with your schoolwork? JJC offers many opportunities for free tutoring.

    Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC)

    Get free tutoring for more than 300 JJC courses. You will need to schedule an appointment for most tutoring sessions.

    • Make an Appointment: Email tutoring@jjc.edu.
    • Locations: The TLC is located in C-2010 on Main Campus; in RMA-1080 on the Romeoville Campus; and JCTR-6002 on the City Center Campus.
    • Drop-in Math Assistance: Need help with math? No appointment is necessary.
    • Reading and Writing Tutoring: Reading and/or writing tutoring is available for any JJC course. 
    • Presentation Tutoring: If you are working on a class presentation, our tutors can help. There is even a recording studio so you can record and review your presentations.
    • Test Preparation: TLC tutors are well-versed to provide preparation for different exams including placement testing, the GED and TEAS.
       

    Learn More About Tutoring at the TLC

    Tutoring via the Center for Multicultural Access & Success (CMAS)

    Eligible students can receive free tutoring and other services. To be eligible, students must be working on either a transfer or applied science associate degree. They must also fall into one of these categories:

    • Those whose parents did not graduate from a four-year university or college
    • Low-income students
    • Disabled students
       

    Learn More About CMAS Tutoring

    Disability Services Tutoring

    To be eligible for tutoring through Disability Services, students must register with the office and have a documented disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

    Learn More About Tutoring with Disability Services

  • Contact Our Faculty & Coordinators

    Leadership

    TBA
    Dean, College & Career Readiness
    Title III Activity Director

    Math

    Laura Egner
    Coordinator, Developmental Mathematics
    Office: J-3008B
    Phone: (815) 280-2882
    Email: legner@jjc.edu

    English

    Teresa Carrillo
    Associate Professor, Developmental Reading
    Reading Coordinator
    English Tutor Coordinator - Academic Skills Center
    Office: C-1061
    Phone: (815) 280-2868
    Email: tcarrill@jjc.edu

    Jack Haines
    Associate Professor, English as a Second Language (ESL)/Developmental Education
    Developmental Writing and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Coordinator
    Office: C-1064
    Phone: (815) 280-2349
    Email: dhaines@jjc.edu