ESL

English as a Second Language

The goal of the ESL program is to assist English language learners to increase their fluency, comprehension and confidence in English, so they are able to use it comfortably and effectively in both academic and social situations. Students are prepared for the increased level of difficulty and quantity of reading and writing that is expected of them in traditional English classes. Based on application materials and the results of the English placement tests taken by international students when they arrive on campus, students are placed either in traditional English classes or in one of two ESL programs. Those students who take ESL usually also take U.S. History for ESL Students. Students placed in traditional English classes may also be recommended for Writing Workshop, based on their demonstrated writing ability. Outside support for all international students is also available through individual meetings with ESL teachers and a trained staff of Writing Center student tutors.

Advanced ESL

Advanced English as a Second Language is a two-class program providing a transition to either Superior ESL or traditional English classes. A student in Advanced ESL will take two ESL classes each day, one in Language and Structure, the other in Literature and Analysis. Prerequisite: Department recommendation.

Superior English

Superior English as a Second Language is a two-class program providing a transition between ESL and traditional English classes. A student in Superior ESL will take two ESL classes each day, one in Language and Structure and the other in Literature and Analysis. Superior ESL provides an increase in the quantity of reading and writing, as well as raises the level of difficulty of reading and expectations of writing. Prerequisite: department recommendation.

ADVANCED ESL: LANGUAGE AND STRUCTURE

Credits: 3

Level: Grades 9, 10 or 11

Overview: Students will develop an understanding of advanced grammatical structure; an appreciation of the process, forms and genres of writing; an increased oral fluency; and a sophisticated active academic vocabulary. This will be achieved by using a balanced curriculum in the four essentials of language mastery – reading, writing, listening and speaking. Throughout this course, students will complete exercises in grammar, writing and vocabulary workbooks; write journal entries and creative nonfiction; perform daily conversational speaking and formal public speaking using multimedia presentations; conduct critical reading of nonfiction; and carry out authentic listening activities. Students are assessed on grammar and vocabulary assignments, tests, writing, oral presentations and class participation. Texts utilized include Longman Academic Writing Series Level 3, a variety of nonfiction, as well as other outside sources.

Prerequisite: department recommendation

ADVANCED ESL: LITERATURE AND ANALYSIS

Credits: 3

Level: Grades 9, 10 or 11

Overview: ESL Literature and Analysis provides a balanced curriculum in the four essentials of language mastery – reading, writing, listening and speaking – through the study of literature. The purpose of this class is to enable students to study literature critically and excel in a mainstream classroom with fluent speakers, readers and writers of English. Students develop and strengthen critical comprehension of literature through the study of short stories, novels and poetry. They write personal responses, creative pieces, critical essays and revise their writing often. Students participate in a variety of speaking and listening activities including class discussion, group work and oral presentations. Vocabulary development is integral to the course, and lists are individually and teacher generated from the literature studied. Students improve basic and advanced grammar through their writing in this course. Assessments include writing assignments, literature tests, vocabulary quizzes and class participation. Texts may include but are not limited to Discovering Fiction 1, Monster by Walter Dean Myers, A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and a variety of poetry.

Prerequisite: department recommendation

Superior ESL

SUPERIOR ESL: LANGUAGE AND STRUCTURE

Credits: 3

Level: Grades 9, 10 or 11

Overview:

Students will expand and solidify the use of advanced grammatical structure, and the process, organization and forms of writing in English. Students will further advance their oral fluency, and further develop and refine active academic vocabulary. This will be achieved by using a balanced curriculum in the four essentials of language mastery – reading, writing, listening and speaking. Throughout this course, students will complete exercises in grammar, writing and vocabulary workbooks; write journal entries and creative nonfiction; perform daily conversational speaking and formal public speaking using multimedia presentations; conduct critical reading of nonfiction; and carry out authentic listening activities. Students are assessed on grammar and vocabulary assignments, tests, writing, oral presentations and class participation. Texts include Longman Academic Writing Series Level 4 and a variety of news articles and essays, as well as other outside sources.

Prerequisite: department recommendation

SUPERIOR ESL: LITERATURE AND ANALYSIS

Credits: 3

Level: Grades 9, 10 or 11

Overview: Students will expand and solidify critical reading comprehension, academic and creative writing skills, listening and speaking skills needed for discussion-based classrooms, and further develop an active vocabulary of everyday and literary terms. This will be achieved by using a balanced curriculum in the four essentials of language mastery – reading, writing, listening and speaking – through the study of American literature. Students will participate in a variety of speaking and listening activities, including class discussion, group work and oral presentations. Writing assignments include personal responses, descriptive and creative pieces, and critical essays, as well as frequent revision. Vocabulary lists are individually generated. Students improve advanced grammar through their writing in this course. Assessments include writing assignments, tests, quizzes, and class participation. Texts may include but are not limited to Discovering Fiction 2, The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, The Giver by Lois Lowry.

Prerequisite: department recommendation

Superior ESL: WRITING WORKSHOP

Credits: 2

Level: Intermediate; Writing Workshop assists students in need of writing support

Overview: Through a collaborative environment, students learn the skills necessary to develop an effective planning, writing, and revision process. Ongoing revision of a digital writing portfolio allows students to develop and apply an array of writing techniques to a variety of writing forms; increase organization; and learn to use more sophisticated expression, word choice, and advanced grammatical structures. This course is offered in addition to a student's traditional English class and focuses on the student’s individual writing needs.

Prerequisite: teacher recommendation