English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Learn and practice English in a welcoming, supportive environment focused on real-life communication. ESOL classes help students develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for everyday life, employment, and continued education, while also strengthening digital literacy and confidence using English in the community and workplace.
Classes meet twice per week for 3 hours per day over a 10-week session. Students are also required to complete 2–3 hours of online curriculum coursework each week to support language development and practice skills outside the classroom.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Overview
Foundational English Language Development
- Build essential English skills through basic and intermediate instruction designed for real-life use.
- Learn vocabulary, grammar, and communication strategies for everyday situations.
- Strengthen confidence using English at home, in the community, and in the workplace.
Language Skills Growth
- Develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through interactive instruction.
- Practice English through discussions, activities, and real-world learning tasks.
- Increase overall language proficiency to support education, employment, and independence.
Academic & Career Pathway Preparation
- Advanced instruction supports reading comprehension, interpretation, and critical thinking.
- Prepare for transition into Adult Basic Education (ABE), career training, or continued learning.
- Build digital literacy and workplace communication skills needed for modern environments.
Real-Life Application & Workforce Relevance
- Learn English through themes connected to work, family, community, and daily life.
- Develop practical communication skills for employment and career advancement.
- Apply language skills in meaningful contexts that support long-term success.
CLASSES
Course Subjects
ESOL 1:
Begin Your English Learning Journey
This course introduces foundational English skills needed for everyday communication. Instruction focuses on building listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through real-life language use and supportive classroom interaction.
By the end of the course, students will:
- Understand basic vocabulary and simple grammatical structures in familiar conversations.
- Comprehend the general message of short, simple reading passages.
- Write simple sentences about familiar and personal topics.
- Be prepared to advance to ESOL 2.
ESOL 2:
Build Confidence in Everyday Communication
This course is a continuation of basic communication in students’ new language, with further reading, writing, listening, and speaking development. The formal skills of writing, reading, vocabulary and grammar will progress, along the lines of everyday situations, interesting contexts, and a variety of material.
At the end of the course, students will:
- comprehend short conversations and interactions that are face-to-face with one person at a time or in small groups.
- comprehend the content of different genres of short text.
- Express basic personal needs and compose passages on familiar, personally relevant topics, and proceed to ESL 3.
ESOL 3:
Strengthen Language for Real-Life & Workplace Use
This course builds deeper language skills through instruction in grammar structures such as passive voice, present perfect, relative clauses, and imperative forms, along with expanded vocabulary and conversation practice.
By the end of the course, students will:
- Communicate effectively in practical, social, and workplace conversations.
- Read and understand a variety of texts independently.
- Write short texts using common language structures.
- Be prepared to advance to ESOL 4/5.
Note: Students enrolled in ESOL 3 are required to take Integrated English Literacy & Civics Education (IELCE + T) concurrently.
ESOL 4/5:
Advance Toward Academic & Career Readiness
This course moves learners from intermediate to upper-intermediate English proficiency. Instruction focuses on expanding fluency, accuracy, and confidence across academic, workplace, and community contexts.
By the end of the course, students will:
- Understand main ideas and key details from discussions, presentations, and
more complex topics.
- Speak with increased fluency and accuracy on both familiar and abstract subjects.
- Read and interpret a wide range of authentic texts.
- Write multi-paragraph essays, business communications, and narratives.
- Be prepared to transition into Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses.
Note: Students enrolled in ESOL 4/5 are required to take Integrated English Literacy & Civics Education (IELCE + T) concurrently.
OBJECTIVES
Course Syllabus
ESOL 1 — Course Syllabus
Burlington Core Modules: Getting Started; About Me; School; Time; Shopping; Food; Health; Community; Work
Retail vocabulary integrated during Shopping lessons: customer, cashier, store, price, pay, receipt, sale, help, open/closed, resume
Beginner listening, speaking, repetition, matching, and role-play activities tied to real shopping and retail interactions
2 Burlington Reader book reports collected in Weeks 5 and 9
15 take-home assignments across the 10-week term
Student conferences using homework and growth report card
Final comprehensive report card issued Week 10
ESOL 2 — Course Syllabus
Burlington Core Modules: Personal Education; Education; Getting a Job; Money Matters; Health; In the Workplace; Safety; Housing
Workforce and retail vocabulary integrated during employment lessons: job, work, resume, schedule, uniform, customer service, manager, teamwork, responsibility
Guided role-plays, job dialogues, and structured writing tied to workplace
communication
2 Burlington Reader book reports collected in Weeks 5 and 9
15 take-home assignments across the 10-week term
Student conferences using homework and growth report card
Final comprehensive report card issued Week 10
ESOL 3 — Course Syllabus
Burlington Core Modules: Personal Information; Education; Getting a Job; Money Matters; Health; In the Workplace; Government & Law
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities tied to workplace, civic, and
daily-life topics
Expanded language development for employment, education, and community
participation
2 Burlington Reader book reports collected in Weeks 5 and 9
15 take-home assignments across the 10-week term
Student conferences using homework and growth report card
Final comprehensive report card issued Week 10
ESOL 4/5 — Course Syllabus
Burlington Core Modules: Education; Getting a Job; Money Matters; In the
Workplace; Housing; Community; Government & Law
Advanced language development for employment, civic engagement, and
independence
Reading and writing tasks using authentic workplace and community scenarios
2 Burlington Reader book reports collected in Weeks 5 and 9
15 take-home assignments across the 10-week term
Student conferences using homework and growth report card
Final comprehensive report card issued Week 10
Course Materials
Required for All Students
Electronic Device (Required)
A laptop or desktop computer is required for all ABE classes.
Tablets and smartphones may be used as a backup but are not fully compatible with all learning platforms.
Webcam / Camera
A webcam is required for participation in virtual or hybrid instruction.
Built-in computer cameras are acceptable.
Email Account (Gmail Recommended)
Used for communication with instructors and access to learning platforms.
Reliable Internet Access
Reliable Internet Access Consistent internet connection is required for coursework, assignments, and communication.
ALPS provides free internet access, and students may use the on-site computer lab to complete assignments.
Headset with Microphone
Required for online lessons, speaking activities, and virtual meetings.
Built-in computer audio (microphone and speakers) is acceptable if clear and functional.
Google Workspace (Free)
Access to Docs, Sheets, and Slides is required for assignments and coursework.
Strongly Recommended for Success
Phone (Call/Text Access)
For quick communication with instructors and program staff.
Quiet Study Space
A distraction-free environment for attending class and completing assignments.
Optional (Based on Learning Preference)
Paper Notebook & Writing Supplies
Pens, pencils, and highlighters for notetaking.
Binders or Folders
To organize printed materials if needed.
Calculator (Recommended: TI-30XS)
Helpful for students preparing for the High School Equivalency exam.
Backpack or Carry Bag
For students attending in-person classes.
COURES
Course Resources
Burlington English (Primary Platform)
- Comprehensive English language curriculum for adult learners
- Courses in speaking, listening, reading, writing, civics, and workforce English
- Blended learning with online lessons, assessments, and career pathways
USA Learns
- Free online English courses for adult learners in the U.S.
- Video-based lessons, pronunciation practice, and real-life communication skills
- Courses from beginner to high-intermediate levels
Activities for ESL Students
- Thousands of grammar, vocabulary, listening, and reading exercises
- Practice activities for learners at beginner through advanced levels
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Students Say
I am Frida Silva Ruiz, 37 years old, and currently an ESOL Level 2 student at Adult Literacy Plus of Southwest Arizona. I enrolled because I want to continue improving my English and create better opportunities for my future. Through ALPS, I’ve gained more confidence speaking and understanding English, which recently helped me secure a job at Walmart.
I am excited to keep learning and strengthening my English so I can continue growing professionally. I have experience working in both the medical field and childcare, and my long-term goal is to become a certified medical assistant. I already hold a fingerprint clearance card and am committed to taking the steps needed to reach that career.
ALPS has given me the support and motivation to move forward with confidence. I know that by continuing my education and building my English skills, I can achieve my goals and create a better future for myself and my family.
Frida Silva Ruiz
ESOL Program
I am Jesús Virginia Espinoza Arias, and I am currently working at Walmart, where I specialize in customer service. I truly enjoy helping customers and making sure they have a positive experience. Providing quality service is something I take pride in, and I am passionate about doing my job well every day. I am continuing to learn English because I know it will help me grow professionally and open new opportunities. Improving my communication skills allows me to better assist customers and feel more confident in the workplace.
My goal is to continue developing my English so I can move into an administrative position in the future. I want to find a place where I can truly flourish and continue advancing in my career. By strengthening my English and building on my customer service experience, I am confident that I will be able to reach my goals and create a brighter future for myself.
Jesus Virginia Espinoza Arias
ESOL Program
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