Assessment correlations: EFLs 0-3 on the BEST Plus oral language assessment

At Level 1, students learn the English alphabet and sound system. They learn basic greetings, numbers and strategies to help with communication. They learn grammar for communicating in the present to describe people, places, and things. STudents also practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening and learn how to make plans in the future using “going to.”

Assessment correlations: BEST Plus EFLs 3-5; TABE-E EFLs 2-3

At Level 2, students continue to work on their writing skills by creating simple, organized paragraphs. They add to their basic vocabularies with descriptive words and basic transitional words. They learn the verb tenses for present, past, and future. Students read and understand a range of texts. Students also practice speaking about themselves and their lives and actively participate in conversations.

Assessment correlations: BEST Plus EFLs 5-Exit; TABE-E EFLs 3-4

At Level 3, students develop the ability to have longer, more elaborate conversations using mixed tenses, transition words and complexity. They reinforce their knowledge of the simple present, past and future and are exposed to the present perfect, gerunds, phrasal verbs, modals and basic conditionals. Students develop their writing of academic and expository paragraphs and short essays with a focus on basic research, prewriting and editing, and supporting topic sentences with details. In the second half of the year, students read a novel as part of a book club and complete a summative “capstone” project.

Assessment correlations: BEST Plus EFLs 6-Exit; TABE-E EFLs 4-5

In Level 4, students will continue to improve their writing skills by researching a question, taking a stand and defending it, summarizing their ideas, and citing their sources. They will write efficiently with a topic specific vocabulary. Students will participate in a range of conversations and be able to construct and defend a logical argument. They will read and listen to a variety of complex texts. They will use their knowledge of advanced grammar and punctuation to help them in their reading and writing.

Assessment correlations: BEST Plus Exit; TABE-E EFL 5+

In Academic Seminar, students who have gained the confidence for effective oral communication hone the skills to debate, elaborate and provide counter arguments. Much of the linguistic focus is on reading and researching rigorous text in preparation for academic essays and presentations. Students simultaneously develop more advanced digital skills such as cloud-based collaboration, Google slideshows, and infographics. Cultural content around which the lessons are established is most often based on real-world issues and student interests. The course culminates in the presentation of a digital portfolio of student writing from throughout the academic year.

Assessment correlations: BEST Plus EFLs 6-Exit; TABE-E EFLs 4+. In-house assessment tool used.

ACE supports unemployed and underemployed students who are building professional language skills, exploring, determining, and advancing their career paths, and looking to enter employment, professional training or higher education.

In “Core ACE,” students improve their English skills while exploring career paths in the US that build on their interests and strengths, in alignment with their goals. Students build a portfolio of relevant projects including a career and education plan, video projects, and tools for searching for, acquiring, and maintaining employment. English language component skills include reading, writing, listening, speaking, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. The career skills strand of the coursework includes opportunities for students to explore college, training, and career opportunities in Massachusetts (including resources like the MassHire Career Center system), build an increased awareness of US work culture, and receive coaching and support.

“ACE Extension” is designed to support students by providing more individualized and specialized options. The objective is for students to move toward their personalized next step: career, training, or college. The staff/team role is to coach and facilitate, while students take control of their next steps. Students have options to join speaking & pronunciation group classes as well as individual tutoring and advising sessions. Options for ACE Extension include:

• Job placement, which includes working with an advisor on job search, application, and interview practice.

• Job training in areas like pharmacy tech, medical interpreting, EMT, entry-level IT, culinary, customer service, etc. Most of these opportunities are in Western MA.

• College programs in Academic ESL, Transition to College, Community Health Worker, Medical Transcription, Early Childhood, and more!