What Types of ESL Programs are Near You?

Roz Tolliver, Adult Level Chair 2019-20

I recently attended a 3CSN (California Community Colleges’ Success Network) summit with ESL students and educators, and I learned many interesting ways to increase student success. I also learned that the community college professors in my group didn’t know much about adult education. They were surprised to learn that ESL students don’t receive semester grades, and that adult schools offer open enrollment.

That experience made me realize how important it is for all of us who serve adult English learners to be familiar with at least the basics of the ESL programs in our area. In the past, I’ve offered guidance and directed students to the programs I believed matched their needs; now I realize the only reason I had that knowledge was because I’d taught at adult schools and community colleges.

I think sharing program information with each other to help our students find the best learning environment is a good idea (I’m aware that the mass transition to online classes due to COVID-19 has changed many of these facts, but this information will apply again – eventually).

Consider this brief list of information about ESL classes at my current and former institutions in Solano County: 

Fairfield-Suisun Adult School
Cost	Free
Registration	Open enrollment (register anytime, but start date subject to instructor approval – usually within 2 weeks)
Classes	Placement based on CASAS grammar/reading exam, writing sample, and oral interview with registrar Day and Evening all-skill classes M-Th for all levels, from literacy to advanced (Transitions); workplace conversation, citizenship, Google digital literacy, and pre-paraeducator classes also offered No homework required No final grades or completion certificates given Follows K-12 schedule
Childcare	$20 fee per family, per semester. Orientation required, and must be enrolled and on campus while using.
Recommended for students with…*           *Based on my experiences	Limited or no formal education/academic skills Very limited English skills Limited or no computer skills Unreliable attendance, due to… Possible work schedule conflicts Long commutes in traffic Childcare issues Unreliable transportation Frequent travel plans
Solano Community College
Cost	Residents pay $46/unit + several fees per semester Non-residents pay $272/unit + fees Most ESL classes are 3 or 6 units Financial aid may be available
Registration	Strict deadlines, including drop dates for refunds Must apply online Must complete orientation online Meet with counselor
Classes	Placement based on ESL Assessment Score (multiple-choice) only Day and Evening classes Homework required (frequently online) Strict attendance requirement, including punctuality Final grades given No completion certificates for ESL
Childcare	Must be income-eligible for subsidized services
Recommended for students with…	Some formal education/academic skills Intermediate or higher English skills Some computer & smartphone skills Access to a computer at home Reliable attendance No work schedule conflicts No long commutes in traffic No childcare issues Reliable transportation No (or brief) travel plans