ESL Classes for Newcomers
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The ability to speak English is an important part of immigrant assimilation in the United States. Language proficiency is a key driver of immigrant integration. It increases job opportunities and facilitates social and political participation.
Learning the English language is one of the most difficult and important challenges facing newly arrived immigrants. AHCD offers FREE ESL classes to newcomers because we believe building linguistic and cultural skills are key drivers of integration and economic self-sufficiency.
Our ESL programs are designed to help immigrants and refugees become economically self-sufficient and socially and civically engaged. Classes are offered free of charge, year-round to students who range from those with little or no formal education to those with advanced degrees in their native languages.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This proposal provides information on a 12-week integrated English as Second Language. This program will comprise of 18 hours per week of English language classes plus up to four hours of optional workshops per week. The focus of this program is on the development of communication skills through a balance of speaking, listening, reading and writing tasks. Classes are interactive and engaging and learning is based on class activities, individual, pair and small group work. At the completion of this program, the participant's ability and confidence in communicating in English in social situations will have greatly improved. All participants will be awarded a certificate and progress report at the end of the program.
In addition to English skills, students gain leadership, problem solving, organizational and job skills. As students gain English proficiency, they achieve greater self-confidence, self-sufficiency, and the ability to contribute and participate in the community and workforce.
supplemental ESL courses include:
- Computer Literacy
- Citizenship
- ESL Writing
- ESL Conversation
- Career & Workforce Bridge
Students must enroll in an ESL core class to participate.
Proficiency Levels
Three proficiency levels will be offered: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
They will be assigned either by placement testing or by completion of the previous level. As a student progresses through the levels, the courses build upon the skills they've learned in the lower levels and become more complex. The skill requirements for completion of each proposed level are outlined below:
Level I: Beginners
This is a class for students with little to no English skills. Students will learn the basics of English, including how to give personal information, talk about likes and dislikes, describe everyday activities, use present and past tense, and more!
Level II: Intermediate
This class is for learners who are already comfortable using English in daily situations and are looking to gain fluency. Students will strengthen speaking and listening skills to build confidence communicating in formal and informal settings such as work or school.
Level III: Advanced
This class is for students who can communicate fluently in most situations and are comfortable using English in a university or workplace setting. Students will learn advanced level grammar, vocabulary and collocations, and refine pronunciation.
Placement test is required for all levels. Students may move to a higher level each term (mid-term post testing is required); or students may remain at prior level for continued practice (if Post testing scores are not satisfactory).
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