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Home > Academics > Adult Basic Skills > English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language

Adult Basic Education/English as a Second Language classes are offered to help immigrants and refugees develop communication skills, function effectively on the job, and participate as members of the community.

How Do I Enroll?

First, you will need to complete the CASAS appraisal test. Next you will attend a new student orientation. Students will be scheduled for the new student orientation as space is available. The orientation is four days. Students must attend all four days of the orientation before starting classes. Orientations are usually scheduled two to three weeks before the start of the quarter. If space is available, there will be an additional orientation two to three weeks after the start of the quarter.

When can I take the CASAS appraisal test?

Testing for spring quarter classes will be offered on the following dates:

March 4th at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
March 11th at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
March 13th and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Please come to the Assessment Center in building 7.

How Much Does It Cost?

Tuition for all adult basic skills programs is $25 per quarter. Some classes have an additional $5 fee for course materials.

Courses Include:


Course #	Course Title
AESL 031	AESL Speaking and Listening Level 1
Students will learn to use and understand basic words and phrases related to personal information and basic communication needs. Students will learn to answer and ask very basic questions, use basic non verbal cues and ask for clarification when needed.
AESL 032	AESL Speaking and Listening Level 2
Students will learn to use and understand short sentences related to personal information. Instruction will focus on basic comprehension and pronunciation and students will learn to use and understand simple strategies to relay information such as gestures, eye contact and requesting feedback.
AESL 033	AESL Speaking and Listening Level 3
Student will begin to use and understand basic grammar and sentence structure in communication related to everyday topics and personal experiences. Students will continue to work on pronunciation and will begin to participate in short conversations, give instructions, and gather missing information.
AESL 034	AESL Speaking and Listening Level 4
Students will learn to communicate with little support in familiar and unfamiliar settings. Instruction will focus on improving pronunciation, managing more complex conversations, explanations, instructions, and narratives.
AESL 035	AESL Speaking and Listening Level 5
Students will learn to communicate fluently and accurately in familiar and unfamiliar settings. Instruction will focus on fine tuning pronunciation, building more complex vocabulary, improving comprehension, and using more complex communication strategies.
AESL 036	AESL Speaking and Listening Level 6
Students will learn to use a broad range of vocabulary and registers as well as understand most details in conversations, short lectures, news reports and extended explanations. Instruction will focus on building complex conversation skills as well as developing strategies for repairing gaps in communication.
AESL 041	AESL Reading and Writing Level 1
Students will learn to read simple everyday words. Instruction will focus on letters and numbers and helping students combine and blend sounds and recognize new words. Students will learn to write the alphabet and numbers. Instruction will focus on basic writing needs such as personal information and basic lists.
AESL 042	AESL Reading and Writing Level 2
Students will learn to decode familiar words and read simple texts. Instruction will focus on sounding out words by syllables, locating information, and using simple reading strategies. Students will learn to organize ideas and write simple sentences on familiar topics. Instruction will focus on simple grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and editing.
AESL 043	AESL Reading and Writing Level 3
Students will learn to use reading strategies to monitor comprehension. Instruction will focus on building content knowledge and vocabulary, and locating information in texts. Students will learn to organize ideas and write a short but legible draft. Instruction will focus on simple sentences structure, grammar, capitalization, spelling and punctuation.
AESL 044	AESL Reading and Writing Level 4
Students will learn to read medium length texts. Instruction will focus on further developing vocabulary, locating important information, and monitoring comprehension. Students will learn to organize ideas to develop a single paragraph with supporting ideas, details and examples. Instruction will focus on revision strategies, and edits of grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
AESL 045	AESL Reading and Writing Level 5
Students will learn to use inference and word analysis to recognize unfamiliar vocabulary and abbreviations. Instruction will focus on enhancing comprehension and using advanced reading strategies. Students will learn to write short, linked paragraphs to convey ideas. Instruction will focus on using tools to edit and make simple revisions.
AESL 046	AESL Reading and Writing Level 6
Students will learn to read for detail and determine missing information. Instruction will focus on analyzing information and reflecting on its meaning. Students will learn to write medium length, coherent texts with detail, appropriate tone, and language. Instruction will address detailed editing of grammar, spelling, sentence structure and language use.
AESL 051	Introduction to Grammar 1
Introduction to Grammar 1 is the 1^st of two grammar courses designed for beginning level Basic Skills/ESL students. This course provides an overview of basic of English grammar structures studied in AESL levels 1-3. Skills acquired in this course will prepare students for future AESL courses and everyday life and work.
AESL 052	Introduction to Grammar 2
Introduction to Grammar 2 is the 2^nd of two grammar courses designed for beginning level Basic Skills/ESL students. This course provides an overview of basic of English grammar structures studied in AESL levels 1-3. Skills acquired in this course will prepare students for future AESL courses and everyday life and work.
AESL 053	Basic Grammar 1
Basic Grammar 1 is the 1st of two grammar courses designed for intermediate level Basic Skills/ESL students. This course provides an overview of basic of English grammar structures studied in AESL levels 4 and 6. Skills acquired in this course will prepare students for future AESL courses and everyday life and work.
AESL 054	Basic Grammar 2
Basic Grammar 2 is the 2^nd of two grammar courses designed for intermediate level Basic Skills/ESL students. This course provides an overview of basic of English grammar structures studied in AESL levels 4 and 6. Skills acquired in this course will prepare students for future AESL courses and everyday life and work.
AESL 055	Focused Grammar 1
Focused Grammar 1 is the 1^st of two courses designed for advanced Basic Skills/ESL students. This course reviews and reinforces a variety of English grammar structures studied in AESL level 6. Skills acquired in this course will prepare students for future academic courses and everyday life and work.
AESL 056	Focused Grammar 2
Focused Grammar 2 is the 2nd of two grammar courses designed for advanced Basic Skills/ESL students. This course reviews and reinforces a variety of English grammar structures studied in AESL level 6. Skills acquired in this course will prepare students for future academic courses and everyday life and work.

For more information, please contact the main office at 253.566.5144.