| Abstract: |
In response to the conflicting needs of English as a Second Language (ESL) students in English Basic Skills (EBS) courses at Bergen Community College, a project has been proposed to provide a more comprehensive program. The plan of operation is divided into five components: (1) identification, testing, and placement; (2) orientation and dissemination of information; (3) supplemental instructional support; (4) course development and customization, including the use of the Internet; and (5) tracking student progress and measuring the satisfaction of project objectives. A faculty member would identify crossover students, or ESL students who have attended American high schools and are placed in EBS courses but still present ESL-type problems. The testing process will be revised to include the Levels of English Proficiency Test, which will help discriminate between Basic Skills and ESL placement. Written information will be translated into target languages, with an orientation program designed to introduce the ESL program to language minority students. Language skills assessment, a customized study plan, and tutoring are also integral aspects of the project. Finally, the curriculum would be evaluated and adjusted, and student success would be tracked to ascertain whether objectives have been met. (YKH) |