Vita Education Services offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs for adults who wish to improve their English proficiency. Instruction is student-centered and contextualized. Students practice the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing to communicate in English for everyday situations in authentic contexts. These contexts include pre-employment and work situations, accessing community resources, and preparing for post-secondary training and education.
Climbing the Stairs to Success
We want our students to be successful in reaching their goals. Students” successes are measured by the completion of a core goals or advancements from one educational level to the next. Vita’s ESL programs are designed to help individuals move sequentially through Vita’s step system of educational levels. There are six educational levels for English as a Second Language students. Programming is based on these levels, which are shown below. Students’ educational levels are determined in the beginning and at the end of each semester.
There are a variety of programming options: small group tutoring, independent and computer-assisted learning and class instruction.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) PROGRAMS STAIRS TO SUCCESS
| Advanced ESL – small group instruction, computer assisted instruction | |||||
| High Intermediate ESL – small group instruction, class instruction, computer assisted instruction | |||||
| Low Intermediate ESL – small group instruction, class instruction, computer assisted instruction | |||||
| High Beginning ESL – small group instruction, class instruction | |||||
| Low Beginning ESL – small group instruction, class instruction | |||||
| Beginning Literacy ESL – small group instruction | |||||
How do students qualify?
Students who test at the ESL levels below are served in our ESL program.
- Beginner Literacy/Low and High ESL: Vita offers classes and small groups for beginner level students. Instruction focuses on improving listening, comprehension and speaking skills on familiar topics.
- Low and High Intermediate ESL: Vita offers classes and small groups for intermediate level students. Instruction focuses on improving all four language skills with emphasis on grammar and pronunciation. To supplement language learning, two computer-based English programs are offered: the Reading Horizons and English for All programs.
- Advanced ESL: Vita offers small groups for advanced ESL students. Instruction focuses on developing reading and writing skills along with grammar and idiomatic language practice. Students learn reading and writing strategies, vocabulary-building, and critical thinking skills to become better readers and writers for every day purposes. Our advanced small groups help students who wish to transition to post-secondary education.
How will I know what ESL level I am? All students are required to take an English placement test (listening or reading). This helps to determine how much English you know and helps us place you in the most appropriate program.
Where do classes and small groups meet? ESL classes and small groups are held in high schools, libraries, public places and churches.
How long is the program? Our ESL Programs are offered throughout the year depending on location. Programs vary in length from ten to thirty-three weeks. Students are required to attend a minimum of four hours a week for small groups and five hours a week for classes. In addition, students are expected to work independently outside of class.
How do I get started? All interested and committed students must attend an ESL Orientation and Registration session. The orientation will familiarize you with Vita’s programs and requirements. It is very important to be on time; space is limited. Following the orientation is registration. Qualified students who are still interested can stay to register. During registration, students will be interviewed by teachers in order to complete a student information form. Registered students will be given a program schedule to take home.
All registered students will be given an English Placement Test on the first day of class. Do not worry about the test. Test results will help us understand how much English you know and what you need to learn so that we can place you in the most appropriate ESL class/small group. Program placement is based on core goals, test scores, and teacher suggestions.
