Bridge to College

What is Bridge to College English?

Bridge to College English is a transition course that prepares students for the reading, writing, and critical thinking demands of college‑level English.

The course emphasizes:

• Critical reading of complex texts
• Evidence‑based academic writing
• Academic discussion and inquiry
• Research and information literacy
• Habits of mind such as persistence, independence, and metacognition

The focus is on preparation and readiness, not acceleration or earning college credit.

Who takes Bridge to College English? 

• Seniors planning to enroll directly in college‑level English after graduation
• Juniors preparing for College in the High School, AP, or other college‑level English courses as seniors

Some schools also offer Bridge to College English Prep, a year‑long course for 10th or 11th grade students who benefit from additional scaffolding before enrolling in Bridge to College English.

BTCE Benefits

• Students who earn a B or higher in one semester qualify for placement into English 101 at Washington community and technical colleges and at Eastern Washington University
• Recognized statewide as a senior English credit
• Fulfills the Transition Course Graduation Pathway for English language arts
• Juniors completing the course may qualify for a dual‑credit College Composition course as seniors

Instructional delivery: In person or online

What is Bridge to College Math?

Bridge to College Mathematics is a senior‑year transition course that follows Algebra II and focuses on strengthening the mathematical reasoning, problem‑solving, and quantitative skills needed for college‑level math pathways.

Rather than repeating Algebra II, the course:

• Reinforces and applies prior learning
• Emphasizes modeling, reasoning, and data analysis
• Builds confidence and persistence with college‑level math expectations

Who is Bridge to College Math For?

• Seniors who have had exposure to Algebra II
• Students planning to pursue non‑calculus college math pathways, such as Math in Society or Statistics

Important for counselors:
To qualify for college placement, Bridge to College Math must be taken as a semesters in order in one year. Placement and graduation pathway eligibility do not apply when the course is taken by juniors.

BTCM Benefits

• Students earning a B or higher in the second semester qualify for placement into MATH 107 (Math in Society) or MATH 146 (Statistics)
• Recognized statewide as a senior‑year quantitative course meeting CADRs
• Fulfills the Transition Course Graduation Pathway for mathematics

Instructional delivery: Bridge to College Math must be taught at least 50% face-to-face and is not designed or suited for a fully online environment.

Bridge to College is designed for students who plan to attend college and would benefit from structured preparation before entering college‑level coursework.

Students who are a good fit often:

• Plan to attend a community college, technical college, or university
• Not yet capable of college-level work and would benefit from additional preparation.
• Want to avoid placement testing or remedial coursework
• Have not participated in dual‑credit programs
• Benefit from explicit instruction in academic habits such as persistence and independence

Bridge to College is not:

• A dual‑credit course
• A remedial course
• Intended solely to satisfy a graduation requirement

Schools are encouraged to make placement decisions collaboratively with counselors, teachers, administrators, and families.

Bridge to College courses are supported by a comprehensive professional learning model designed to strengthen instruction and promote student success.

Professional learning includes:

• Summer Teacher Institutes
• Communities of Practice during the school year
• Ongoing instructional support and technical assistance

Professional learning is closely aligned with curriculum, assessment, and classroom practice to support consistent, high‑quality implementation across districts.

Bridge to College is guided by statewide leadership and advisory collaboration that includes K–12 educators, higher education faculty, and system partners.

Program Leadership

• SBCTC 
• Policy Associate Student Services & K-12 Alignment, Stephanie Wahl
• Program Administrator Student Services & K-12 Alignment, Kristen Jaoui
• Policy Associate for Math Pathways and Placement, Dawn Draus
• Policy Associate Faculty Development and Ensured Learning, Guava Jordan 
• OSPI 
• Director of Secondary Education, Katie Taylor
• Associate Director of Secondary English Language Arts, Praxia Apostle
• Associate Director of Secondary Mathematics, Serena O’Neill

Registration

District registration is required annually. Districts are encouraged to register by June 2, even if teacher assignments are not yet finalized.

2026-27 Fees (per teacher)

• $1,750 – New Bridge to College teacher
• $750 – Returning Bridge to College teacher

Bridge to College courses are fully self‑supporting. Fees fund professional learning infrastructure and curriculum maintenance.

What the Fees Cover

• Required Summer Teacher Institute (some meals and lodging included)
• Access to all curriculum and assessment materials
• Ongoing instructional support and technical assistance
• Up to 20 hours of professional learning during the school year
• 15 hours are required for new teachers
• 5 hours for returning teachers

Clock Hours

Bridge to College provides PESB‑approved general clock hours for both English and Math, and STEM clock hours for only Math, for participation in required professional learning. Clock hours are awarded through PD Enroller for easy documentation.

Additional District Responsibilities

26-27 registration is now open.

As part of registration, districts affirm the District Assurance for Bridge to College Implementation and are responsible for covering:

• Travel
• Substitute costs
• Teacher time
• Instructional supplies

for the Summer Teacher Institute and school‑year professional learning.

For full details, see the 2026–27 District Assurance for Bridge to College Implementation. 

Bridge to College is continuing a program review through the 2026–27 school year as part of our ongoing improvement efforts. Thank you to the many districts and educators who have shared feedback. Based on that feedback, and in collaboration with course leaders and OSPI, we are focusing on three areas in 2026–27: 

• Strengthening alignment between math and English professional learning 
• Exploring what an online Bridge to College Math option would look like,, including professional learning
•  Improving support for rural districts and districts with limited professional learning capacity

This work will not affect placement eligibility or graduation pathway status for 2026–27 and reflects our ongoing effort to ensure the program continues to meet district and student needs.

Contact:
Kristen Jaoui, Bridge to College Program Manager
kjaoui@sbctc.edu