MESA OUTREACH's ESL Fall 2018

Program Overview

Adult ESL - teaches English to those having another primary language. The primary objective of the ESL classes offered are to improve the English speaking skills of our students. At the beginning of each semester students are tested using the Best Plus assessment toll which measures their ESL literacy. Each student was asked to set a personal goal for themselves. It is our goal that each student gain at least one level of ESL proficiency per semester. At the end of each semester the students are tested again to see what level they have achieved. Also their goals are reviewed and celebrated when achieved.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Ivonne, is a 39-year-old mother of 2. She started in the beginner's class last spring. She is from El Salvador and speaks two languages, but knew little to no English. She has a bachelor's degree in education from her home country. At registration, she tested Level 0. After about a month of class, her understanding improved, but her pronunciation was still very poor. Using an electronic translator, she asked me if she could begin coming to the intermediate class, just to listen. She began coming to class 4 days a week and using a free website for additional practice. By the end of the semester, she tested at Level 2, showing vast improvement in her understanding and modest improvement in her pronunciation. She continued attending class 4 days a week through the summer. At the end of the summer session she told me that her goal was to be a Spanish teacher here in the U.S. In the Fall, she improved another 2 levels and tested high enough to be in the intermediate class this semester. But, because she is motivated and had seen so much improvement after attending class 4 days a week, she is still taking both classes for the practice. She is now confident answering questions in class and her pronunciation has improved dramatically. At the end of this semester she will be making a presentation in front of the class. It will be her first time to address a group in English and she has told me that she is nervous, but excited about doing this. She also told me that she plans to take classes over the summer, but that she may not be taking class in the fall because she recently applied to an Alternative Certification Program to become a Texas teacher. We don't know if she was accepted or not yet, but I am so proud of her for taking this step which required her to write a short essay, fill out extensive paperwork and be interviewed IN ENGLISH!