Introduction to ESOL

Purpose

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program curriculum for adult learners is a dynamic, communicative approach to learning the English language.  Students will engage in meaningful conversational dialogue within carefully structured grammatical frameworks, which then encourages students to create and initiate their own conversations. 

The purpose of the citizenship course is to prepare students for success in the naturalization process required for all who have United States citizenship as a goal.

Terminology 

ESOL or ESL – English language courses designed to improve the employability of the adult through acquisition of communication skills and cultural competencies, which enhance ability to read, speak, and listen in English.  ESOL means English for Speakers of Other Languages.  ESL means English as a Second Language.  The two terms are interchangeable.

Adult Student – A student who is beyond the compulsory school age and who has legally left elementary or secondary school.

Eligibility and Assessment

ESOL Program assessment and orientation is essential if students are to understand the program and how they will progress toward their goals.  This understanding is critical if the students are to make the commitment necessary to achieve those goals.

• Program Orientation
• Class schedule, days and times
• Open entry/open exit dates
• Pre/post tests with a level of completion
• Registration, assessment and placement process

Assessment and Placement

The BEST Plus is an individually administered face-to-face oral interview designed to assess English language proficiency and interpersonal communication skills of adult English language learners. The Best Plus integrates current knowledge in the assessment of speaking and listening skills with the latest knowledge and practice in educational measurement to present a accurate, updated and flexible oral assessment. The test and ESOL Curriculum was developed to better address the needs of specific ESOL populations.  It is descriptive and offers options from which instructors can select the most appropriate strategies for use with their students.

Citizenship Course

The Citizenship class is to prepare students for success in the naturalization process required for all who have United States Citizenship as a goal.

The content includes preparation for the Citizenship Test, by including the study of U.S. History, government, culture, and symbols with specific emphasis on rights and responsibilities under the Constitution of the United States of America.

Most students in citizenship instruction have similar goals.  Therefore, use of well-developed textbooks and Computer-assisted instruction software programs will be effective tools as students learn social studies required to pass the exam.