ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
Interested? Talk to ESL ConnectProgram Spotlight
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are designed for students who want to improve their written and spoken English skills.
The ESOL department provides:
- three levels of ESL instruction, ranging from Adult Ed to advanced college ESL
- weekend classes
- dedicated ESL counseling at the ESL Connect
- PACE Certificate of Achievement
Testimonial
"ESOL classes at Skyline College made a difference in improving my English skills.
I started at the lowest ESL course with low confidence in my abilities. The ESOL professors
not only taught me writing and grammar, but they really supported me and believed
in my potential which led me to succeed in my classes and pursue a bachelor’s degree."
Mary RondonESL Connect helps non-native English speakers apply to Skyline College and make use of its resources to achieve their educational goals.
Want to learn more? Need help with anything? Ask ESL Connect.
| Program | Type | Total Units |
|---|---|---|
| Proficiency In American Culture and English (PACE) | CA | 16 Units |
Program Mission:
To empower and transform our global community of nonnative English (ESL) learners.
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
Comprehend, analyze, synthesize, and discuss English texts for the purpose of furthering academic, personal, vocational and civic growth.
Critically evaluate and modify own written language to enhance academic, personal, vocational, and civic communication.
Listen effectively, and consistently produce comprehensible spoken English in a variety of academic, personal, vocational and civic situations.
Email: skyesl@smccd.edu
Phone: (650) 738-7089
Hours: Mon/Tue/Wed 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fri 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
ESOL / English Course Comparison Chart
The table below shows:
- the type of assignments (reading and writing) students can expect to do at each level and
- the language skills (grammar & listening/speaking) that students should have when entering each level to maximize their success.
You can also watch the explanation video or download the chart.
| Expectations & Skills | Topic | Level 2 (not offered at Skyline College – see Adult School partners) | Level 3 (Intermediate): 830/853/873 | Level 4 (High Intermediate): 840/854/874 | Level 5 (Advanced): 400/875 | Transfer-level (not ESL) ENGL 100/105 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expected Work: Students can expect these assignments during the course of each level |
Writing |
Short descriptive paragraphs about routines and familiar topics |
4 to 5 assignments of 1-2 paragraphs (1-2 pages each). 1 book report on a chosen book Short journals and summaries (1-2 pages each) |
3 take-home essays (3-5 pages each). 2 in-class essays (2-3 pages each) |
3 take-home essays (3-7 pages each, with citations) 2 in-class essays (2-4 pages each) Library research |
4-5 text-based essays (4-8 pages each, with citations) Library research |
|
Reading |
Short texts simplified for ESL |
1 book (200-300 pages) with simple to intermediate vocabulary Several short newspaper articles 1 book of choice, may be simplified for ESL |
1 book (250-350 pages) in authentic English with advanced vocabulary 3-5 articles (2-3 pages each) |
1 book (250-400 pages) in authentic English with advanced vocabulary 4-6 articles (3-9 pages each) Topics: personal, academic, and social science |
2-4 books (250-400 pages each) in authentic English with advanced vocabulary 5-8 articles (3-12 pages each) Topics: academic, business, poetry, literature, social science, or philosophy |
|
| Necessary Skills: students need these skills and abilities when they enter this level |
Grammar |
Write simple sentences in English Use simple statements, negatives, and questions in English |
Write longer sentences in different verb tenses There will be lots of intermediate ESL grammar instruction at this level |
Write long sentences with complex ideas and developing control of grammar There will be lots of intermediate / advanced ESL grammar instruction at this level Students learn to edit their own writing |
Write long, mostly grammatically correct sentences with complex ideas There is very little grammar instruction at this level, and it is all advanced Students edit their own grammar in their own writing with some in-class help |
Write long grammatically correct sentences with complex ideas There is no ESL grammar instruction at this level Students edit their own grammar in their own writing with no in-class help |
| Listening & Speaking |
Understand simple instructions Ask and answer simple questions |
Understand 60-70% of classroom instruction spoken at a slow to moderate pace Ask and answer questions, and add follow-up questions, in English Some translation may be needed |
Understand 75% of classroom instruction spoken at a moderate pace Ask questions and explain point of view in English Student is becoming independent of translation |
Understand 75% of classroom instruction spoken at a fast pace Ask questions, discuss, explain point of view, debate, and present in English Student is mostly independent of translation. |
Understand 90% of classroom instruction spoken at a fast pace Ask questions, discuss, explain and defend point of view, debate, and present in English Student is independent of translation |
Prerequisite Challenge
The prerequisite challenge is for students who have been placed into ESOL 840 or equivalent and who wish to challenge their placement and enter ESOL 400. There is no challenge process for ESOL 830 or 840 which do not have prerequisites. If a student has placed into 830 or lower and would like to challenge into ESOL 400, we recommend that they visit the ESL Connect office.
Process
- What:
- For ESOL 400, the challenge consists of an in-person reading and writing sample that can take, at minimum, 50 minutes (at the Assessment Center)
- Students may attempt the 400-challenge only once.
- How:
- Make an ESOL 400 challenge appointment with the Assessment Center. Please send an
email to the Assessment Center (skyassessment@smccd.edu) with the following student information:
- Full legal name
- Student ID (G number)
- Current ESOL placement
- Statement that you wish to challenge the placement and enter 400
- Preferred email address for further communication
Primary Contact
ESOL Faculty
Dean & Division Assistant
