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English as a Second Language

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Certificates of Achievement

Advanced Proficiency Certificate in English as a Second Language Certificate

The Advanced Proficiency Program recognizes attainment of English language abilities at an advanced level of English in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills. It is suitable for use in academic classes at the community college level as well as in the workplace community.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar 3
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write and edit clear, well-developed, and soundly structured essays on academic topics.
  • summarize, paraphrase, and quote readings to integrate outside sources into writing.
  • apply and adapt appropriate reading strategies in order to critique complex, college-length texts for reliability and credibility.
  • compile accurate notes while listening to lectures and presentations.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive speaking strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies using clear and comprehensible pronunciation.
  • demonstrate mastery of verb tenses and modal auxiliary uses.
  • combine sentences, with emphasis on the ability to recognize, contrast, and analyze subordination and coordination.

Advanced-High Certificate in English as a Second Language Certificate

This certificate recognizes attainment of English language abilities to an advanced-high level of English in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills. It is suitable for use in academic classes at the community college level as well as in the workplace.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ESLW 340 Advanced Composition 41
A minimum of 12 units from the following: 12
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing (6)
ESL 350 Critical Reading, Research and Writing Through Literature (4)
ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar (3)
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking (3)
Total Units: 16

1*ENGWR 300 may be substituted for ESLW 340

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate comprehension of written and spoken English at an advanced-high level.
  • produce written and spoken English at an advanced-high level.
  • appraise texts and use appropriate reading strategies and reading rate effectively across a full range of reading tasks.
  • comprehend a variety of complex fiction and nonfiction reading selections.
  • analyze fiction and nonfiction readings for structure, audience, author intent and bias, main ideas, and literary and rhetorical devices.
  • demonstrate advanced comprehension of fiction and nonfiction texts by composing written responses.
  • evaluate arguments in nonfiction expository and argumentative texts.
  • synthesize ideas from several complex readings, demonstrating critical thinking skills.
  • draft, revise, edit, and proofread a wide variety of essay types effectively, showing mastery of English writing style, grammar, vocabulary, and mechanics.
  • appraise and synthesize information on a variety of topics using library resources and credible Internet sources.
  • compose a fully documented research paper based on a variety of reference works.

Career Information

This certificate can be used in workplaces, community interactions, and for academic purposes. Students with this certificate have proficiency in English reading, writing, speaking and listening to produce clear, well structured texts on complex subjects, and express themselves fluently and spontaneously in their second language.


Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Business Technology Certificate

This Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Business Technology offers advanced reading and writing skills at a post secondary level for English learners combined with introductory business skills and a variety of computer and office technologies. The combination of these skills can be used along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer, and for use in multilingual office environments.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 100 English for the Professional 3
BUSTEC 300.1 Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning 1
BUSTEC 305 Introduction to Business Information Technology 3
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking 3
Total Units: 22

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write and edit clear, well-developed essays on academic topics and effectively use English as applied in Business.
  • summarize, paraphrase, and quote readings to integrate outside sources into writing.
  • employ appropriate reading strategies to address a full range of reading tasks.
  • apply techniques of written communication, sentence structure, word usage, punctuation, spelling, business vocabulary, and business and employment document formatting.
  • analyze written communication and compose and organize paragraphs into effective business documents.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively, take clear notes, and give oral presentations in a business environment.
  • convey intended meaning, including accuracy in sound production, syllabification, and intonation.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • apply the proper use of keyboarding techniques.
  • define the terms associated with business information systems and technologies.

Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Computer Info Science Certificate

This Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Computer Information Science offers advanced reading and writing skills at a post secondary level for English learners combined with introductory computer information skills. The combination of these skills can be used along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer, and for use in multilingual office environments.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
CISA 305 Beginning Word Processing (2)
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets (2)
CISA 320 Introduction to Database Management (1)
CISA 330 Desktop Publishing (2)
CISC 310 Introduction to Computer Information Science (3)
CISC 350 Introduction to Data Communications (1)
CISN 340 Cisco Networking Academy CCNA: Introduction to Networks (3.5)
CISN 341 CISCO Networking Academy (CCNA)tm:Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (3.5)
CISP 300 Algorithm Design/Problem Solving (3)
CISP 360 Introduction to Structured Programming (4)
CISS 300 Introduction to Information Systems Security (1)
CISS 310 Network Security Fundamentals (3)
CISW 300 Web Publishing (3)
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write formal academic essays as well as apply techniques of written communication, sentence structure, word usage, punctuation, and spelling.
  • employ reading strategies, such as summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting and integrating outside sources into writing.
  • analyze written communication and compose and organize paragraphs into effective documents.
  • convey intended meaning, including accuracy in sound production, syllabification, and intonation.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively, take clear notes, and give oral presentations in a business environment.
  • explain how a computer system works and differentiate between hardware and software components.
  • explain the basic operations of networks.
  • demonstrate the secure utilization of internet resources.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the development and use of information systems in business.
  • manipulate databases using database management software.
  • build software solutions to business problems using internet technology.

Career Information

This certificate supports course work in a variety of computer science professions, including in multilingual work environments.


Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Culinary Arts Certificate

This Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Culinary Arts offers advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at a post secondary level for English learners combined with introductory hospitality management skills. The combination of these skills can be used along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer, and for use in multilingual work environments.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking 3
HM 101 Introductory Culinary Skills 1.5
HM 300 Introduction to Hospitality - Becoming a Chef 3
Total Units: 19.5

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write formal academic essays as well as apply techniques of written communication, sentence structure, word usage, punctuation, and spelling.
  • employ reading strategies, such as summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting and integrating outside sources into writing.
  • analyze written communication and compose and organize paragraphs into effective documents.
  • convey intended meaning, including accuracy in sound production, syllabification, and intonation.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively, take clear notes, and give oral presentations in a business/work environment.
  • employ skills required for all entry-level food preparation courses.
  • demonstrate skills in equipment utilization, weights, measurements, knife cut identification, speed and accuracy, as well as kitchen product identification and utilization.
  • convey the history of the hospitality and culinary professions, explore the numerous avenues of opportunity, and study the advantages of continuing education in the field.
  • demonstrate background knowledge of and approaches of successful chefs and restaurateurs.

Career Information

This certificate supports course work in the hospitality management profession, including in multilingual work environments.


Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Early Childhood Education Certificate

This Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Early Childhood Education offers advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at a post secondary level for English learners combined with introductory early childhood education skills. The combination of these skills can be used along their pathways to degrees, certificates, or transfer, and for use in multilingual work environments.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development 3
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking 3
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write formal academic essays as well as apply techniques of written communication, sentence structure, word usage, punctuation, and spelling.
  • employ reading strategies, such as summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting and integrating outside sources into writing.
  • analyze written communication and compose and organize paragraphs into effective documents.
  • convey intended meaning, including accuracy in sound production, syllabification, and intonation.
  • formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively, take clear notes, and give oral presentations in a business/work environment.
  • discuss the history of early childhood education, evolution of professional practices and ethics, educational principles that support child development from birth through the school-age years.
  • execute the teaching practices based on observation, documentation, and interpretation of children’s behavior.
  • discuss the growth and development of children from the prenatal stage through adolescence. For each stage of development, describe the physical, cognitive, linguistic, social-moral, and emotional aspects of development.
  • apply research methods and utilize data collection approaches as applied to early childhood education.
  • explain the influences of culture, family, and the interaction of maturational and environmental factors in early childhood education.
  • exhibit foundation knowledge for early child care and education, teaching, and parenting.

Career Information

This certificate supports course work in the early childhood education profession, including in multilingual work environments.


Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences Certificate

The Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences recognizes English as a Second Language students' milestones in completing both advanced academic ESL course work and introductory coursework in several health science fields. It incentivizes them to continue taking courses in this discipline after completing higher level ESL courses and to obtain a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate degree for use in a workplace.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar (3) 3
   or ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking (3)
A minimum of 5 units from the following: 5
AH 112 Strategies for Student Success in Health Occupations (3)
AH 311 Medical Language for Health-Care Providers (3)
BIOL 102 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CISC 300 Computer Familiarization (1)
COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
HCI 300 Introduction to Healthcare Interpreting (0.5)
NUTRI 300 Nutrition (3)
Total Units: 20

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze, compose, and organize oral and written communication into effective documents and/or academic compositions.
  • employ reading strategies.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively.
  • take clear notes.
  • give oral presentations in a business/work environment.
  • convey intended meaning and formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • research and critically evaluate information to create informed responses to issues and problems and design messages that adapt to target audiences in order to maximize communication effectiveness.
  • demonstrate basic knowledge of introductory healthcare or scientific terms.
  • employ effective communication in professional healthcare settings.

Career Information

Students who complete this Pathway to Health Sciences certificate will have gained knowledge in academic English and introductory skills in several health sciences fields, such as Healthcare Interpreting, Nutrition, and Allied Health.

Certificates

Intermediate-High Proficiency in English as a Second Language Certificate

This certificate recognizes attainment of English language abilities at an intermediate-high level in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 310 Intermediate-High Grammar 3
ESLL 310 Intermediate-High Listening and Speaking 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify the central message and key supporting details of intermediate-high listening passages.
  • apply oral skills to convey meaning clearly in brief oral presentations.
  • analyze a text closely and recognize patterns of organization.
  • outline, paraphrase, and summarize basic concepts from readings.
  • write soundly structured, unified essays in response to prompts.
  • demonstrate competency in using the 12 verb tenses.

Career Information

This certificate can be used to indicate knowledge of English and abilities in listening, speaking, reading and writing for multilingual use in a variety of workplaces and within a diverse range of environments in communities. In the classroom, students can read and write about a wide range of subjects and explain viewpoints on issues.


Intermediate-Low Proficiency in English as a Second Language Certificate

This certificate recognizes attainment of English language abilities at an intermediate-low level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 47 Intermediate-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 41 Elements of English Sentences 3
ESLL 41 Listening, Speaking and Presentation Skills for College 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • communicate orally in basic English in common social and work situations.
  • demonstrate comprehension of written and spoken English in familiar contexts.
  • write basic, comprehensible English on familiar topics.

Career Information

This certificate can be used to indicate knowledge and abilities in English at a basic level with everyday topics. Students with this certificate can interact in familiar community events.


Intermediate-Mid Proficiency in English as a Second Language Certificate

This certificate recognizes attainment of English language abilities to an intermediate-mid level in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 55 Intermediate-Mid Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 51 Grammar for Intermediate ESL Writers 3
ESLL 51 Academic Communication, Notetaking, and College Success Skills 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • communicate orally in grammatical English in everyday social and work situations.
  • demonstrate comprehension of written and spoken English in work and social contexts.
  • write comprehensible, grammatical English on everyday topics.

Career Information

This certificate can be used to indicate knowledge of English and abilities for use at an intermediate level. Students with this certificate can interact in English in different workplaces and within a range of familiar community interactions.

Explore the English as a Second Language Course Sequence

English as a Second Language Course Sequence

ARC ESL Department

Learn more about our program and finding classes.

English as a Second Language Department

ESL Center

Students can work at their own pace on the areas of English that they need most. Many of our students are improving their English skills in order to earn a certificate, complete an associate degree, or to transfer to a university, while other students are here to improve their English skills for their jobs.

ESL Center