WORD ~ ESL
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description
WORD ~ ESL. 2023 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI. 49503 (616) 454 – 4874 [email protected]. History of the WORD ~ ESL. - Program began in 1998 - Need for English classes on the West side of Grand Rapids - Funded primarily by the Dominican Sisters of - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of WORD ~ ESL
- Program began in 1998 - Need for English classes on the West side of Grand Rapids - Funded primarily by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids - Moved to Dominican Sisters’ Campus in the fall of 2012.
History of the WORD ~ ESL
- Sr. Carmen Rostar became director in 2003
- Textbooks and reference materials were updated- Relationships developed with area colleges for tutors
Program Development
Student Population
- Adults from 18 to 75- Immigrants and refugees- Largely Hispanic population- Also students from Russia, Bosnia, Africa and Vietnam- Includes doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, and accountants
- The WORD ~ ESL program aims to provide the students with a safe, welcoming environment where we provide the basic English language skills they need to improve the quality of their lives and to become active members of our society. - Helps alleviate poverty - Increases community involvement
Mission and Goals of the WORD ~ ESL
- Provides necessary skills to give students the full advantage of employment and educational opportunities
- Helps students connect with social agencies to meet their needs
- Meets needs and stretch students’ abilities
- Welcomes the strangers in our community
Other Goals of the Program
WORD ~ ESLDominican Sisters
Total volunteer force contributes to our program
- They are committed and generous- Area college students add energy to the program and gain experience in the field of education- They make a difference in the lives of the students as they build on their literacy skills
Tutors are the core of our Program
Students attend one class per week - Monday & Wednesday
10:00 -11:30 a.m.- Tuesday & Thursday
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Adult ESL Instruction
- Two semesters of 14 to 18 weeks- Six week summer session
- Emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, and writing
- Helps develop necessary life skills to function on a daily basis
Adult ESL Instruction
- One-on-one lessons
- Interaction with other students and tutors
Advanced Conversation Group
- Small discussion groups for more advanced students- Uses “Connect With English” video series
- Provides students with real life situations such as leaving home, prejudice, and seeking higher education- Incorporates grammar, reading, conversation, and comprehension checks
- Beginning students can review as much as they need to learn new vocabulary and concepts
- Reinforces vocabulary, reading, writing and comprehension
ESL Computer Lab
- Computer lab can accommodate four student using various programs
- Students gain computer skills and work at their own pace
Continued Development of the ESL Program
- New site enables us to meet groups as well as provide private tutor space (former piano practice rooms)
- Computers in rooms as well as in the open space
- New textbooks and readers are provided
Social Activities
- Fun while learning- Welcoming atmosphere for our adult learners- Sharing in holidays of various cultures
- Grants enable tutors to participate in State conferences- On line tutor training also available - Resource material provides for professional growth
Importance of Professional Development
- Professional development of the tutors is crucial to students’ growth
- Initial in-service provides nine hours of professional development
- Offers recommendations for policy and procedures- Provides input for administration of the program
Formation of the Advisory Board
- Re-instituted in 2006- Guides the ESL program through change
Our Grants
Primary support of Dominican Sisters ~ Grand RapidsOthers: Christian Brothers, Grand Rapids Foundation,
State of Michigan
WORD ~ ESLDominican Sisters
Citizenship Classes Collaborating with
- Must have permanent resident card for five years- Be able to speak, read and write in English- Offered at GRCC West Side Learning Corner- Follow-up clinic with professionals to complete citizenship forms
Citizenship Program
One day a week for six weeks. Each class runs for two hours.
Citizenship Program
View our Power Point on the development of the Citizenship program at:
grdominicans.org
