ESL Program, Baptist University of the Americas

Program Overview

The ESL Program is designed to facilitate the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. All participants are assessed to determine their proficiency levels (beginning, intermediate, advanced) so that their learning needs and styles may be addressed in an appropriate and meaningful manner. The average class size is 12. There are ample opportunities to participate in community outreach to help individuals from the local neighborhoods to participate in family literacy activities that benefit parents and their children. The program is especially pleased with the success of the Family Literacy Nights held at the campus.The English Learner Family Toolkit was recently released by the U.S.Department of Education, and our program played a part in its development. The toolkit was partly the result of a round-table discussion held in Washington, D.C. The BUA Director and staff were invited to share information on questions families may have about public schools in the United States. Topics discussed in the meeting: 1. Enrolling your child in school; 2. attending school in the United States; 3. Obtaining services for English learners; 4. finding additional services for your child; 5. Keeping your child safe and healthy in school; and 6. helping your child at home with homework.