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English as a Second Language

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH FOR MULTILINGUAL STUDENTS

WELCOME! 

Our department successfully serves students who speak English in addition to another language by addressing some of the specific challenges that multilingual students face in an academic environment. We offer embedded tutors, a Success Center, a language laboratory and professors who are trained in linguistic theories. All of our courses provide college credit, and several of our courses are UC and CSU transferrable. We offer the highest quality of instruction, accelerated programs, and a wide-range of classes. Please use the information on this website to learn more about our program and our faculty.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT AND PLACEMENT UPDATE: A new law (AB 705) states that students have the right to enroll in transfer-level English and credit ESL classes.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU AS A NEW STUDENT? To begin the new placement process, you will be required to take the SRT (Self-reporting Tool). If you did not complete high school in the United States, you will be guided to complete the GPT (Guided Placement Tool). For the SRT and GPT, you will be asked questions about your education and language background, which will then prompt a course recommendation that matches your abilities.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? If your goal is to transfer to a four-year university or earn an A.A. degree, transfer-level English (ENG.100 or ENG.100 S) is a requirement. To succeed in transfer-level English and other college courses, credit ESL classes will prepare your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for success in an academic setting. 

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY PLACEMENT? Meet with a counselor, visit the placement center website or contact Lee Anne McIlroy, the ESL Department chair, if you have questions about credit ESL Classes at lamcilroy@Cerritos.edu.

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description of credit esl classes

ESL SEQUENCE OF CORE CLASSES

After taking the SRT (Self-reporting Tool) or the GPT (Guided Placement Tool) online, you will be recommended an ESL core class. Our core ESL classes are integrated skill classes with a focus on grammar, writing, and reading. Depending on where you begin, you can complete the ESL sequence of core classes within 2 years or less.

ADDITIONAL ESL SUPPORT CLASSES

Our ESL support classes focus on developing specific language skills, such as speaking, pronunciation, listening, vocabulary, reading, grammar, and spelling. It is not necessary to take the SRT or GPT to enroll in these classes.

 A. Speaking and Listening Classes – In our speaking and listening classes, you will develop confidence in speaking and listening by practicing these skills in a variety of contexts. At the beginning level, you will practice listening and speaking for everyday situations. At the intermediate and advanced levels, you will develop your skills by practicing listening and speaking for more academic settings. Students will practice both informal and formal presentation skills in all listening and speaking classes.

B. Pronunciation – We offer a 9-week and an 18-week pronunciation class. In both classes, you will practice pronouncing individual and troublesome sounds, and practice using sentence stress, rhythm, and intonation in your speaking. Learning the rules that govern pronunciation in your speech will help your listening skills and help you speak more clearly and confidently.

C. Vocabulary – In our vocabulary classes, you will increase your vocabulary to help you in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You will learn words from the general and academic word lists and practice using them in a variety of contexts. Both classes are 18-weeks in length.

D. Reading – In our reading classes, you will read a variety of texts and learn specific reading skills such as skimming and scanning for information, identifying the main idea and supporting details, vocabulary analysis, and increasing reading speed. Both classes are 9-weeks in length.

E. Spelling – In this class, you will learn rules to help you spell words correctly. This is a 9-week class.

F. Editing – In this class, you will learn to apply grammar and sentence structure rules to edit your own writing.

G. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Preparation Course – In this class, you will learn effective test-taking strategies for the TOEFL test. This will include focused practiced in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and practice exam questions.

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PARKING: Daily permits are $3.00 and virtual based on your vehicle’s license plate. This permit is valid only in white-lined student stalls. Parking Lots 6, 7, and 8 are close in distance to LA-103. For more information visit the Parking Regulations website.
 

Department Chair:

Lee Anne McIlroy
Cerritos College
11110 Alondra Blvd.
Norwalk, California 90650
(562) 860 - 2451 extension 2847
lamcilroy@Cerritos.edu