ESL Teacher Training

Portland Schools Address ESL Education

Editor — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:01:58 +0000

The Oregon Department of Education continues to withhold a portion of federal funding from Portland Public Schools after state officials found the district still isn’t meeting federal standards for serving students learning English.

In a letter to Portland last month, officials said the district had only fixed some of the problems outlined in a 2009 audit. Furthermore, the state reported new problems with the program.

Some students still don’t have access to core classes such as algebra and history or are not receiving support in those courses. New findings reported that some students were exiting the English Language Learner program without evidence they had learned English.

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The Allure Of American Colleges

Editor — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:04:59 +0000

Despite the culture shock and challenges with the language, international students do very well in American colleges.

Roberts said that Utica College, international students “raise the bar.” The same is said at other campuses. “We almost can’t give them enough to do,” HCCC Associate Dean of Student Services Janet Tamburrino said.

Some colleges offer specialized tutoring for the students and the community colleges offer English as a second language, referred to as ESL, courses to help with English. Despite the challenges, going to college here retains much allure for international students.

“Everyone wants to come to America to study,” Ankin Dhall of India said. He is enrolled in the marketing program at HCCC. “This is an opportunity.”

North Arlington Board of Education Offering ELS Courses

Editor — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:49:58 +0000

The North Arlington Board of Education will be offering its second session of English as a Second Language (ESL) course for parents and community members. Classes will be held on Mondays from February through June, from 6-8 p.m. each night at North Arlington High School. The cost of the entire course is $40. A grant has been received to partially underwrite the cost of this program.

Seating will be reserved in the order in which the responses are received, giving priority to families with children in our school district. Applications may be picked up at the North Arlington Superintendent’s office (located in back of the high school building).

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ESL Recieves Additional Funding

Editor — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:35:32 +0000

A $40,000 grant will help new immigrants and refugees in Vernon improve their English language skills by giving them access to free one-on-one tutoring. The Vernon and District Immigrant services Society will receive $40,000 in partnership with Okanagan College to deliver the English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance Program.

The funding allows for a co-ordinator to recruit and train volunteer tutors and match those tutors with community members who want to improve their English language skills. “Having ESL services in our community is essential for helping newcomers feel welcome,” says Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster.

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Biloxi Schools Showcase Their ESL Programs

Editor — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:38:19 +0000

The Biloxi Public School District wants to show foreign students and their families they are welcome members of the community. There are about 200 students enrolled in the district’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program. On Thursday, the district hosted an informational fair so parents can see what their children are learning.

Tahvar Robinson said when came to this country from Jamaica, he spoke Patois, but very little English. “I thought I wouldn’t blend in because I didn’t know how to speak the language as well as them,” said Robinson. “So I feel kind of bad.”

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Consider The English Language Institute For ESL Instruction

Editor — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:24:17 +0000

The mission of the English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is to:

1. Provide English as a second language programs for international students that help students improve English language skills needed to pursue academic studies in a U.S. university.

2. Provide English as a second language programs to international students and the global community for academic, professional and personal development.

3. Assist students in their cultural adjustment so that their academic pursuits will be both enjoyable and productive.

4. Adhere to high standards of English language instruction and program management.

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Teaching ESL

Editor — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:22:23 +0000

In an earlier article, I put forward that Macau is in a unique role to establish itself as a teacher training hub for Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). This, I contended, is indubitably viable given Macau’s overflowing financial resource which can be directed towards investment in the knowledge industry that does not require large space or gigantic infrastructures.

I suggested that tertiary institutions in Macau may offer English as a major in the field of education and include TESL as a postgraduate degree for those who are already teaching. I proffered further that if Macau will take this initiative, it will not only be assured of numerous prospective clients to begin with but will also be able to contribute significantly to the dearth of English language teachers in a region that is home to the most number of eager English language learners.

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Churches Urges To Add ESL Programs

Editor — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:47:20 +0000

The temperature outside was freezing and the heat was broken, but worshippers packed the pews at Iglesia de Dios anyway, singing and praying, many with children on their laps.

The noon service was his third of the day, but Jose Rodriguez seemed more energetic than ever. The founder of Nashville’s first Hispanic megachurch shed his coat, clapping and swaying near the band, raising his hands to heaven. Next year, he’ll lead his flock of 2,000 from its church building on East Trinity Lane to a 25-acre site three miles away.

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Library’s Website Offers ESL Options

Editor — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:44:52 +0000

Anyone taking a trip to Japan, Spain, France or Germany this year should check out the Mango Languages database at Champaign Public Library. In simple steps, this program teaches language needed to travel in a foreign country – how to greet one another, ask for directions, and even where the nearest public restroom is.

Mango Languages is a language learning database accessed through the library’s Web site (www.champaign.org) under the “Find Answers and Facts” category on the home page. Champaign Public Library cardholders can access this database at home for free by entering their 10-digit library number. Language lessons are delivered right to a home computer. Non-cardholders can still use this database but on a computer at the library. The program is free, but personal headphones are required.

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Reading For Fun

Editor — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:43:10 +0000

Amy Dodson has a passion to promote reading as a fun, everyday activity to help readers relax, relieve stress and learn.

“If you are not reading for fun, it is not going to stick,” she said. “If you are not reading for fun it is going to be seen as a chore. If you associate reading with something you have to do, then you are not going to go to it for pleasure.”

She said a lot of people “don’t agree with promoting books that are not serious, so to speak, that are not literature, but people are at least reading and that’s what matters.”

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