English-as-a-Second Language

The mission of Capital’s English-as-a-Second Language Program is to enable non-native English speaking students to develop and synthesize the core English language proficiency skills necessary for success in diploma and certificate programs at the College.

The integrated five-level ESL curriculum includes courses in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Initial placement is based on computerized and written test results. The first four levels consist of two courses taught by the same instructor. Level 5 consists of a six-credit reading and writing course and a one-credit research course focused on providing the necessary skills for further academic study. Online computer-assisted language learning, which can be accessed anytime and anywhere, has been integrated into each level to facilitate student learning.

The first two levels are non-credit and start at the intermediate- to advanced-beginner level. The third, fourth and fifth levels are credit-bearing and continue to the intermediate and advanced levels of language proficiency.

In the ESL Program, students must earn a C- or better (70-100) in their current courses before they can proceed to the next level. High Intermediate and Advanced ESL courses can be counted as foreign language/humanities electives toward graduation with the following stipulations: Students may apply no more than 6 ESL credits toward a degree in General Studies or Liberal Arts. This is only true for courses taken as credit, not courses taken as non-credit.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the 5-level ESL course sequence, the student will:

1. Display academic values and readiness for content-area courses in an American post-secondary system
   1. Take responsibility for his/her own learning
   2. Employ college resources to navigate the academic environment
   3. Demonstrate basic competence with information technology
2. Demonstrate ability to comprehend, interpret and apply spoken, written and socio-cultural forms of communication
   1. Demonstrate awareness of both explicit and implied meaning in extended spoken discourse
   2. Read with comprehension of both content and organization
   3. Recognize and employ elements of socio-cultural communication appropriate to a variety of situations
3. Apply a range of language structures to interact effectively in interpersonal and academic situations
   1. Speak with sufficient accuracy and fluency to report information and express and develop opinions
   2. Write about a variety of topics with level-appropriate correctness, clarity and detail
4. Display effective cross-cultural communication competence
   1. Display understanding of and respect for cultures of fellow students
   2. Demonstrate awareness of and ability to function effectively in U.S. culture and society

For additional information, contact the ESL Administrator, James Rodriguez, at (860) 906-5203 and jrodriguez@capitalcc.edu.