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Class overview
Develops low-beginning English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills for adult learners in their roles as family and community members, workers, citizens and lifelong learners. Promotes the process of combining knowledge, skills, and problem-solving strategies. First course in the eight-level ESOL sequence. Prerequisites: ESOL placement test within the past 12 months OR instructor permission. Read more here.
About Your Teacher
About Your Teacher
My name is Sasha Albrecht. I'm so excited to be your teacher this term! I grew up in Silverton, Oregon, but moved to Portland for the first time in 2014. From 2019 to 2024, I lived in South Korea, where I taught English to lots of different kinds of students. I have been teaching English for almost 10 years and love meeting new students in class! It's wonderful to meet you, and I look forward to a great term with you!
Contact:
Syllabus
Syllabus
ESOL Level 1 (CRN 13423)
Portland Community College | Willow Creek Center | Spring 2026
Class Location: Willow Creek Center (WCC) 205
Class Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6:30–9:20 PM
Dates: January 5th – March 22nd
Course Overview
Course Overview
In this course, you will:
Learn to read, write, speak, and listen in English.
Practice English skills for everyday life (home, work, school, and community).
Use problem-solving strategies to improve your English.
This is the second course in the ESOL program. You need to finish Level 1, take a placement test, or get permission from your teacher to join.
Goals of the Course
Goals of the Course
📚 Reading
Read and understand simple words.
Answer questions about short paragraphs.
Use pictures, maps, and charts to get information.
✍️ Writing
Write words or sentences your teacher says.
Write 3–5 simple sentences.
Use capital letters, periods, and question marks.
Fill out forms and write clearly on lines.
🗣️ Speaking/Pronunciation
Introduce yourself and talk in simple conversations.
Pronounce English sounds clearly.
Use verbs like is/are and actions like eating/playing.
🎧 Listening
Write words or sentences your teacher says.
Listen for main ideas in conversations.
Understand instructions.
Answer simple yes/no or wh-questions.
🕒 Study Skills
Bring your books to class.
Work in groups.
Ask for help when needed.
💻 Technology
Use a keyboard and mouse.
Practice English online.
Leave voice messages.
This term, we will study:
This term, we will study:
👋 Welcome Unit: Hello!
🏡 Unit 3: At Home
⏰ Unit 9: Daily Life
🩺 Unit 12: Health
🧦 Unit 7: Clothing (If there's time!)
Class Rules
Class Rules
Respect everyone. Be kind. Be helpful.
Be brave. Make mistakes.
Speak English in class.
Come to all classes. Come to class on time at 6:30 PM.
If you miss a lot of classes, it takes longer to improve your English.
Stay home if you are sick. Tell Sasha you are sick.
Email, text, or call Sasha. If you “no show” in the first few weeks, you will be dropped from this class.
Put your phone away. Text or talk on the phone during breaks or after class.
We take two 10-minute breaks during class. Please wait to eat during breaks.
Do your homework.
Participate in class. Work with your classmates.
Bring your textbook and materials to class.
No gifts. PCC teachers cannot accept gifts from students. It is against PCC’s rules.
😊 Please ask if you have questions! I want to help. Please tell me if you need help.
Assignments & Grades
Assignments & Grades
In this class, you will have homework. You will have quizzes and tests.
You will receive a non-credit grade at the end of the term:
CM: Completed the class, go to Level 4.
PR: Progressing, continue in Level 3.
L: Left the class.
UP: No progress, cannot continue in ESOL.
The teacher decides if you go to Level 4. The teacher evaluates:
Attendance and participation in class.
Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Homework, quizzes, and tests.
If you want to go to Level 3, you must have at least 80% attendance (miss up to 6 classes). If you do not come to class, you will not move up.
Level 1 Timeline
Level 1 Timeline
ESOL 10 (Level 1) is one year (winter, spring, summer, and fall).
Students may need to take Level 1 3-4 times to be ready for Level 2.
Taking level 1 again does not mean you are failing!
Image by Sara Packer
Materials
Materials
Notebook & Lined Paper
Notebook & Lined Paper
Pencils, sharpeners, & an eraser
Pencils, sharpeners, & an eraser
Textbook & Workbook
Textbook & Workbook
Our Textbook:
Our Textbook:
English in Action 1 (3rd Edition) by Barbara Foley
ISBN: 9780357196892
You can buy them at the Bookstore for $37 new or $27.75 used.
Rock Creek Bookstore will be open until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 7th.
Paying for Class
Paying for Class
💲 Paying for Class
💲 Paying for Class
The class is $124.70 for one term.
If you have SNAP or Oregon Health Plan (OHP), the class is FREE.
⚠️ The last day to drop the class is January 23rd (Friday).
Tell Sasha if you do NOT want to take the class. You will get your money back if you tell me before July 1st.
🅿 Parking
🅿 Parking
Parking is free at Willow Creek Center, so do not buy a parking pass!
🚍 Public Transportation
🚍 Public Transportation
You can take the MAX or the bus.
MAX Lines: Blue and Red to Willow Creek/SW 185th Ave TC
Buses: 52, 59, 88, or 288.
If you have a low-income (OHP, SNAP, WIC, etc.), you can get a reduced TriMet pass for one year ($1.25 for a 2 1/2 hour pass or $28/month).
Title IX/Non-Descrimination Statement
Title IX/Non-Descrimination Statement
Portland Community College is committed to creating and fostering a learning and working environment based on open communication and mutual respect. If you believe you have encountered sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at (971) 722-5840 or equity.inclusion@pcc.edu.
Special accommodation:
Special accommodation:
PCC is committed to supporting all students. If you plan to use academic accommodations for this course, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your needs. Accommodations begin when the instructor receives the 'Approved Academic Accommodations' letter from you. To request academic accommodations for a disability, please contact a disability services counselor.
Veteran Status
Veteran Status
If you identify as a veteran, service-member, or military dependent the Veteran Resource Center can assist you in securing your benefits and supporting your success. Contact the Veterans Resources Center 971-722-8793 or visit the office at CC 226.
PCC is a sanctuary college.
PCC is a sanctuary college.
For more information and resources, click here.
Help and Support
Help and Support
Academic Support
Personal Support
We can connect you to resources: Email gethelp@pcc.edu or 971-722-6555.
We can connect you to resources: Email gethelp@pcc.edu or 971-722-6555.
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