ESL Population and Program Patterns in Community Colleges / Jan M. Ignash.

Recent trends in immigration and foreign student enrollments are placing a growing demand on community colleges for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction. A 1991 study of course sections at 164 two-year colleges nationwide revealed that ESL had grown from 30% of all foreign language courses offered in 1983 to 51% in 1991, and that the number of colleges offering ESL courses had grown from 26% in 1975 to 40% in 1991. ESL students tend to be concentrated in urban areas, and, frequently, foreign students from a particular language group settle in the same geographic area, making it easier for community colleges to profile their local ESL populations. The educational backgrounds of ESL students range from those unable to read and write in their native language to students with college degrees. Given the varied backgrounds of ESL students, community colleges have often developed ESL programs that respond to the specific needs of their local ESL population. Clark College in Washington established one ESL program for foreign students, and a separate ESL program for American immigrant and limited English proficient students. Most commonly, ESL programs include instruction in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. Vocational ESL programs, which weave English language skills into vocational subject areas, have also been established at a number of two-year colleges. ESL students often require special assistance to complete transfer and vocational programs. To address the language-related problems of its growing ESL population, Golden West College in California established a volunteer program to provide guidance in such areas as study skills, note-taking, self-esteem, and dealing with social service agencies. (PAA)

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