# Pathways to Academic Success (PASS) courses El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 29 courses Source: http://catalog.elcamino.edu/index.php?catoid=13 "Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027. ### PASS 500 — Supervised Tutoring - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 4 hours lab - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section listed as PASS-500 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/fall-2026/pass.md); Spring 2027, 1 section listed as PASS-500 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/spring-2027/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit open entry/open exit course provides students with supervised tutoring related to their assignments in courses offered at El Camino College. The tutoring addresses the application of learning skills, the use of learning resources, and the review of course content. ### PASS 501 — Language Arts - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 2 hours lecture/0 hours lab - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit open entry/open exit course prepares students for the language arts section of the General Educational Development (GED) exam and the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). It provides instruction in reading comprehension, grammar, and writing the extended response essay, using successful test-taking strategies. Upon completion and demonstration of competence in the course, students may continue GED and HiSET preparation or advance to develop skills for the workplace and to prepare for future educational opportunities. ### PASS 502 — Mathematics - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 2 hours lecture/0 hours lab - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections listed as PASS-502 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/fall-2026/pass.md); Spring 2027, 1 section listed as PASS-502 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/spring-2027/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit open entry/open exit course prepares students for the mathematics portion of the General Education Development (GED) exam and High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) in Mathematics. It provides instruction in quantitative and Algebraic problem solving as well as skill building in test-taking strategies to respond to questions on the GED and HiSET exams in mathematical reasoning. Upon completion and demonstration of competence in the course, students may continue GED and HiSET preparation or advance to develop skills for the workplace and to prepare for future educational opportunities. ### PASS 503 — Science - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 2 hours lecture/0 hours lab - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections listed as PASS-503 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/fall-2026/pass.md); Spring 2027, 1 section listed as PASS-503 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/spring-2027/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit open entry/open exit course prepares students for the science portion of the General Education Development (GED) exam and High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) in science. It provides instruction in biology, physiology, chemistry, earth, and space science. Students also learn skill building in test-taking strategies for multiple choice and short-answer response questions on the GED and HiSET exams. Upon completion and demonstration of competence in the course, students may continue GED and HiSET preparation or advance to develop skills for the workplace and to prepare for future educational opportunities. ### PASS 504 — Social Studies - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 2 hours lecture/0 hours lab - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section listed as PASS-504 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/fall-2026/pass.md); Spring 2027, 1 section listed as PASS-504 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/spring-2027/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit open entry/open exit course prepares students for the social studies portion of the General Education Development (GED)exam and the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). It provides a review of U.S. history, global history, economics, civics and government, and geography using successful test-taking strategies and hands-on online testing practice for multiple-choice and extended response questions. Upon completion and demonstration of competence in the course, students may continue GED or HiSET preparation or advance to develop skills for the workplace and to prepare for future educational opportunities. ### PASS 505 — Study Skills for College - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.5 hour lecture - **Offered:** Winter 2027, 1 section listed as PASS-505 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/winter-2027/pass.md); Spring 2027, 1 section listed as PASS-505 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/spring-2027/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit - Note: Pass/No Pass only. This noncredit class is designed to provide a quick foundation in the skills and habits that will assist you in your academic goals. This course will cover strategies for time management, notetaking, and studying. ### PASS 507 — Overcoming Academic Anxiety - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.5 hour lecture - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section listed as PASS-507 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/fall-2026/pass.md); Spring 2027, 1 section listed as PASS-507 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/spring-2027/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit - Note: Pass/No Pass only. This noncredit class will cover strategies for identifying, managing, and reducing academic anxiety and stress that will serve students in their academic journey and beyond. ### PASS 508 — Financial Literacy Basics - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.5 hours lecture - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section listed as PASS-508 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/fall-2026/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit class is designed to provide a quick foundation in the skills that will assist you in your financial goals. This course will cover strategies for budgeting, introduction to financial resources, and planning. ### PASS 509 — Technology Skills for College - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.5 hour lecture - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section listed as PASS-509 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/fall-2026/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit - Note: Pass/No Pass only. This noncredit course is designed to develop students' technology skills for college. This class will cover ECC email, Microsoft Office, MyECC, ECC Connect, OneDrive, Google Drive, any relevant smartphone apps for ECC students, and basic computer literacy. ### PASS 510 — Scientific Math Academy - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 2.33 hours lecture, 0.3 hours lab - **Offered:** Winter 2027, 1 section listed as PASS-510 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/winter-2027/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit This course covers arithmetic skills commonly used in science lab courses. Some topics include (but are not limited to) converting numbers to scientific notation, place values and rounding, scatterplots and graphing linear equations, converting between percents, fractions, and decimals, metric system, calculating area and volume, as well as exploring exponents and logarithms. ### PASS 512 — Statistics Math Academy - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 2.33 hours lecture, 0.3 hours lab - **Offered:** Winter 2027, 3 sections listed as PASS-512 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/winter-2027/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit This course covers arithmetic and pre-algebra skills commonly used in introductory statistics. Some topics include (but not limited to) place values and rounding, scatterplots and graphing linear equations, converting between percents, fractions, and decimals, calculating area, mean, median, modes, and interpreting mean and standard deviation. ### PASS 514 — Algebra Academy - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 2.33 hours lecture, 0.3 hours lab - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This course covers real number solutions and applications of linear equations, quadratic equations, linear inequalities, and systems of linear equations. ### PASS 515 — Succeeding in Online and Hybrid Classes - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.67 hour lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit - Note: Pass/No Pass only. This noncredit short-term class provides a review of essential skills and approaches for succeeding in online and hybrid courses. Topics covered include how to use all of the features in El Camino's online and digital learning environment, planning for success in distance education before you start a course, and how to engage with your instructor and access campus resources online. ### PASS 516 — Intermediate Algebra Academy - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 2.33 hours lecture, 0.3 hours lab - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This course covers a large library of basic functions and graphs to strengthen and expand students' algebra skills. ### PASS 518 — Pre-Calculus Academy - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 2.33 hours lecture, 0.3 hours lab - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This course covers polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, as well as their inverses. ### PASS 520 — Calculus Academy - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 2.33 hours lecture, 0.3 hours lab - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This course's content is pre-collegiate and covers manipulations of functions, operations of polynomials, and the properties of logarithms and exponentials. Focus will also include trigonometry functions, complex expressions, and analytic geometry. ### PASS 521 — Commercial Learner's Permit Test Preparation - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 1.11 hours lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit course prepares students for the California Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)/Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge tests. Students learn about license classes, endorsements, restrictions, driving safely, transporting cargo and passengers safely, air brakes, combination vehicles, doubles and triples, tank vehicles, hazardous materials, and vehicle inspection. The course also provides students with an overview of what to expect in the skills tests. ### PASS 522 — Truck Driving Pre-Trip Inspection: Internal - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 1.11 hours lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit course provides hands-on training in internal vehicle inspection procedures for commercial vehicles. Students will learn how to systematically inspect key components, including air brake systems, lighting indicators, emergency equipment, and visibility controls, to ensure vehicle safety and compliance. The course emphasizes hazard identification, troubleshooting techniques, and proper air brake testing procedures. Through interactive practice and real-world simulations, students will develop the skills needed to perform thorough in-vehicle inspections with confidence. Designed for adult learners preparing for commercial driving, this course enhances workforce readiness and promotes safe vehicle operation. ### PASS 523 — Truck Driving Pre-Trip Inspection: External - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 1.11 hours lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit course provides students with hands-on training in external vehicle inspection procedures for commercial vehicles. Students will learn how to systematically inspect key vehicle components, including lighting systems, tires, brakes, suspension, air hoses, coupling systems, and safety equipment, ensuring compliance with industry safety standards. The course emphasizes hazard identification, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance to help students recognize potential mechanical failures and safety risks before a vehicle is operated. Through interactive exercises and real-world simulations, students will develop critical thinking skills and practical expertise needed to perform thorough external inspections. Designed for adult learners preparing for careers in commercial driving, this course enhances workforce readiness and promotes road safety. ### PASS 530 — Research Skills - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.222 hours lab - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section listed as PASS-530 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/fall-2026/pass.md); Spring 2027, 1 section listed as PASS-530 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/spring-2027/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit open entry/open exit course helps students build strong research skills, which are necessary to complete college coursework and to succeed in future employment. The course covers effective search strategies, formulating a research question, and ethics in research. ### PASS 532 — Academic Integrity at ECC - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 1 hour lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit open entry/open exit course helps students cultivate strong academic integrity skills, including strategies to avoid plagiarism and cheating. ### PASS 533 — Fundamental Computer Skills - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.33 hours lecture/0.33 hours lab - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section listed as PASS-533 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/fall-2026/pass.md); Spring 2027, 1 section listed as PASS-533 (/c/el-camino-college/schedule/spring-2027/pass.md) - Credit Status: Noncredit This comprehensive introductory course is designed to equip students with the fundamental skills needed to navigate the digital world effectively. Through hands-on instruction and interactive activities, participants will gain confidence in operating a computer, understanding essential computing terminology, and master core tasks such as emailing, navigating the internet and basic word processing. ### PASS 534 — Microsoft Office: Basic Word and Excel - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.44 lecture/0.44 lab - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit course will provide students with fundamental skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, essential tools in today's digital workplace. In Microsoft Word, students will learn to create documents, format text and adjust layouts. In Microsoft Excel, students will learn how to create spreadsheets, manage data and perform calculations. ### PASS 535 — TEAS Exam Preparation - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 1.66 hours lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit course prepares students to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), an entrance requirement for El Camino College's Nursing Program. Students will review key concepts in reading comprehension, mathematics, science, and English language usage while building test-taking strategies and confidence. Emphasis is placed on strengthening academic foundations and practicing with sample TEAS-style questions. This preparation course is designed for prospective nursing students who wish to refresh academic skills, identify areas for improvement, and increase readiness for the exam. ### PASS 536 — Beginning Language Arts - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.66 - 3.55 hours lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This beginning-level noncredit composition and reading course introduces students to the fundamentals of clear written communication and active reading. Students practice constructing sentences and paragraphs with correct grammar, mechanics, and spelling, while developing confidence in expressing ideas in writing. The course also builds reading skills through strategies for vocabulary growth, comprehension, and critical analysis. Designed to strengthen essential academic skills, this course prepares students for success in higher-level classes, the workplace, and everyday communication. ### PASS 537 — Fundamental Math Skills - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 1.7 to 3.5 hours lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit course introduces students to fundamental arithmetic skills needed for success in school, work, and daily life. Topics include operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages, as well as an introduction to signed numbers. The course is designed for adults seeking to build or review essential math skills. Instruction emphasizes understanding concepts, developing problem-solving strategies, and applying math to real-life situations. This supportive course is intended to prepare students for further study and increase their confidence in using mathematics. ### PASS 600 — Teaching Academy: Motivating Students - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.22 -0.44 hours lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit professional development course is designed for current faculty who want to enhance their teaching effectiveness through a deeper understanding of motivation in educational settings. Participants will explore key theories of motivation-such as self-efficacy theory, expectancy-value theory, and growth mindset-and examine how these concepts apply to diverse learning environments. The course emphasizes practical strategies for increasing student engagement, persistence, and achievement. Faculty will leave with actionable tools to create more inclusive, motivating classrooms that support student success across disciplines. ### PASS 601 — Teaching Academy: Empowering Effective Learners - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.22-0.44 hours lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit professional development course is designed for current faculty who want to enhance their teaching effectiveness through a deeper understanding of learning theories and their applications in educational settings. Participants will explore key theories such as behavioral theory, social cognitive theory, and informational processing theory and examine how these concepts apply to diverse learning environments. The course emphasizes practical strategies for increasing student engagement, persistence, and achievement. Faculty will leave with actionable tools to create more inclusive classrooms that support student success across disciplines. ### PASS 602 — Teaching Academy: Assessment - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 0.22-0.44 hours lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules - Credit Status: Noncredit This noncredit professional development course is designed for current faculty who want to strengthen their assessment practices through a deeper understanding of key principles such as validity, dependability, fairness, and practicality. Participants will explore how these concepts apply to the design and use of classroom assessments in diverse educational settings. The course emphasizes the practical application of assessment theory to real-world teaching, including how to evaluate whether assessments accurately measure learning, yield consistent results, and promote equity for all students. Faculty will leave with concrete strategies to design and refine assessments that are not only effective and efficient but also inclusive and aligned with course learning outcomes.