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 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.
Looking for a list of classes offered this semester?
Check out the current class schedule.All Courses
ESOL 400 English Composition for Nonnative Speakers (5 units)
This advanced, English-language-learner course expands students’ reading and writing abilities of culturally-diverse texts and broadens their cultural understanding of the world and the human condition. Students engage in the process of writing, organizing their ideas, and synthesizing sources using academic discourse, vocabulary, and research. Students discuss works of social, historical, and cultural importance, relate them to their own experiences, and situate them in a modern context.
ESOL 530 English for Speakers of Other Languages III (Noncredit) (0 units)
For intermediate English learners with conversational fluency and developing reading and writing skills. Emphasis on grammar, critical reading, and writing well-developed paragraphs with some academic essay writing.
ESOL 553 Intermediate ESL Listening & Speaking (Noncredit) (0 units)
Development of listening comprehension and oral proficiency of standard spoken English at the intermediate level. Listening focuses on note-taking and aural comprehension of standard spoken English using information from media, discussion, and academic contexts. Speaking focuses on English fluency, proficiency, and strategies for academic discussion and personal interaction.
ESOL 573 Intermediate ESL Grammar (Noncredit) (0 units)
Development of sentence variety and grammatical and mechanical accuracy of standard spoken and written English at the intermediate level.
ESOL 808 English for Job Searching (1 units)
For non-native English speaking students at an intermediate level of proficiency and above. Develop students’ written and oral English skills and the knowledge needed to support job search and application by non-native English speaking students. Emphasis is on the language required to use online job search tools, create resumes and cover letters, and interview for jobs. Students will practice a combination of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
ESOL 830 English for Speakers of Other Languages III (6 units)
For intermediate English learners with conversational fluency and developing reading and writing skills. Emphasis on grammar, critical reading, and writing well-developed paragraphs with some academic essay writing.
ESOL 840 English for Speakers of Other Languages IV (6 units)
Offers practice in writing organized and well-developed paragraphs and essays to develop composition skills. Students will build reading skills with a focus on critical thinking. Emphasis on high-intermediate grammar structures and editing within the context of the student's own work. (Units do not count toward the Associate Degree.)
ESOL 853 Intermediate ESL Listening & Speaking (4 units)
Development of listening comprehension and oral proficiency of standard spoken English at the intermediate level. Listening focuses on note-taking and aural comprehension of standard spoken English using information from media, discussion, and academic contexts. Speaking focuses on English fluency, proficiency, and strategies for academic discussion and personal interaction.
ESOL 854 High-Intermediate ESL Listening & Speaking (4 units)
Development of listening comprehension and oral proficiency of standard spoken English at the high-intermediate level. Listening focuses on note-taking and aural comprehension of standard spoken English in academic situations, media, and discussion. Speaking focuses on development of professional and academic discourse, conveying of complex ideas, and active participation in discussion.
ESOL 873 Intermediate ESL Grammar (3 units)
Development of sentence variety and grammatical and mechanical accuracy of standard spoken and written English at the intermediate level.
ESOL 874 High-Intermediate ESL Grammar (3 units)
Development of sentence variety and grammatical and mechanical accuracy of standard spoken and written English at the high-intermediate level.
ESOL 875 Advanced ESL Grammar and Editing (3 units)
Non-native English speaking students will review complex grammar and language structures applicable to academic writing as well as strategies for editing their own writing. This course assumes advanced study of English as a Second Language and the ability to read, write, and use English language structures appropriate to the level of ESOL 400.
| 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.
Primary Contact
ESOL Faculty
Prerequisite Challenge
The prerequisite challenge is for students who have been placed into ESOL 840 or equivalent or ESOL 400 or equivalent and who wish to challenge their placement and enter ESOL 400 or ENGL 105. 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 or ENGL 105, we recommend that they see the ESL Connect.
Download Prerequisite Challenge Instruction
Process
- What:
- For the 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.
- For ENGL 105, the challenge consists of an in-person or Zoom meeting with an ENGL faculty member.
- How:
- For the ESOL 400 challenge, 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 English/ ESOL placement
- English/ESOL level you wish to challenge
- Preferred email address for further communications
- For the ESOL 105 challenge, please submit a Prerequisite Challenge Petition
Course Comparisons
| ESOL 840 | ESOL 400 | ENGL 105 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing |
|
|
|
| Reading |
|
|
|
| Grammar |
|
|
|