Concurrent ESL in High School Helping Students Prepare for College

Maria Ammar, SLCC associate dean of ESL, works with students.

A pilot program for using concurrent enrollment ESL classes to bridge the gap between high school and college for English language learners is being called a success in its early stages.

Salt Lake Community College ESL Associate Dean Maria Ammar collaborated with administrators, staff and faculty from Granite School District, Itineris High School and Kearns High School, and last year those high schools began offering ESL (English as a Second Language) 1010 and 1020. “We have students in our SLCC ESL program who could have benefitted from concurrent ESL classes,” says Ammar. “I believe the concurrent ESL classes help students to be better prepared to study at SLCC, both academically and emotionally.”

The Utah Department of Workforce Services got the ball rolling with the idea that taking those courses would better prepare English language learner students for taking classes at SLCC. In 2018, the Utah System of Higher Education approved the courses to be offered through SLCC, making it the first higher education institution in the state to have ESL as a concurrent enrollment class. Ammar believes giving high school ESL students opportunities like concurrent ESL classes will let them experience SLCC classes and give them a preview of what studying at SLCC can be for them. “These high school ESL students are exposed to the SLCC experience,” she adds, “which opens their eyes to possibilities of continuing their education, builds their confidence in their academic abilities and educates them on expectations in the college setting.”

Ammar worked with the high schools to develop courses that would mirror those taken at the college. The teachers ensured students were engaged in the classes and that they had the support they needed to succeed. The first round of students passed 1010 last fall. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic moving courses to remote learning, those students also passed 1020 this past spring. A new group of students are signed up for ESL classes this fall, and Ammar says the teachers are more prepared to work with those students, especially having worked with the first group and understanding what challenges they may face.

“What makes concurrent ESL classes work at SLCC is the ESL department having a good relationship with the high schools involved, having open communication with the teachers for the classes and providing support and resources to the teachers and students with the classes,” Ammar says. “The teamwork between the ESL department and high schools helps to make concurrent ESL classes an academic success for the students.”

Comments

SLCC's Undergraduate Annual Research Conference Registration Deadline

Salt Lake Community College’s annual Undergraduate Projects, Performances, Presentations, and Research Conference (UP3RC) is set to take place on April 2, at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, offering students a chance to showcase their academic achievements, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange. The UP3RC is an annual event designed to celebrate and highlight the academic accomplishments of undergraduate students. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, hone their presentations skills, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. All SLCC departments and programs, including faculty and staff, are encouraged to support and visit the day of the event. Students with their poster from last year's UPRC event “The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student is given the opportunity to participate,” says Dr. Kamal Bewar, interim director of the STEM Learning Center, who is chairin

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o

HB 261 and HB 257 Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students: The Utah Legislature recently passed two bills that significantly impact higher education: HB 261 Equal Opportunity Initiatives and HB 257 Sex-Based Designations for Privacy, Anti-Bullying, and Women’s Opportunities. Salt Lake Community College is deeply committed to our students, faculty, and staff. We strive to be a place where all are welcomed and respected. While there are many unknowns about the ultimate effect these bills will have on some student and staff support programs, be assured that SLCC will maintain an environment where all can find success and feel a sense of belonging. In the coming months, college leadership will work to gain clarity and determine the changes necessary for legislative compliance. We will also share this information as it becomes available. We realize that during this time, some in our college community may feel unsettled and stressed. We encourage you to make use of available SLCC resources designed to support y

Official SLCC Blog

Search This Blog