RE: ESL Adult Levels: TEXAS 
We offer four levels--0=preliterate, 1=low, 2=intermediate, 3=high, 4=pre-GED. These are determined by state-approved assessment plus an informal oral assessment which is particularly effective in determining the lower levels of students. We found that a preliterate level was necessary which some states may find a bit odd. Student enrollment numbers are higher for level one than any other. The attrition rate is extremely high, therefore many never make it to level 2 and beyond unfortunately. For those that do, however, this leveling system has been very effective.  Furthermore, we find that we have a wide range of ability levels in the same class due to limitation of funding and facilities, etc. Thus the need for "multilevel teaching" is paramount to success for our students. I have put together a publication for the State which is still available entitled Multilevel ESL Handbook which goes into extensive detail on our program and components. 
I hope this helps, at least to get the dialogue started. I realize that this email is not an indepth reply but am happy to respond in other formats with more detail. Sincerely for Adult Ed/ESL, Dr. Clark von Heller
 

________________________________

From: professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov on behalf of Bonnita Solberg
Sent: Fri 11/17/2006 8:59 AM
To: The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 647] Request for Information




Dear Colleagues:

The Oakland Adult and Career Education program is
conducting a self study on Best Practices.  We have
personally interviewed several of our teachers as well
as representatives of other districts within
California.  I volunteered to ask for information from
programs outside the state of California.  We are
especially interested in obtaining hard copies of
assessments and level standards.  Here is the list of
questions that can be answered by email on this list,
and which may stimulate some dialogue.

School District/Program:           Contact Person:
 
 Position:                email address:             
         Phone:             
 
  Address:

 I.  LEVEL STANDARDS:  What ESL level standards are
 used in your program?  Are they state supplied,
 program generated, or a combination of both?

 II.  STUDENT ASSESSMENTS:  What are the student
assessment systems/tools your program uses, other than
CASAS?  How are they used in measuring student
progress?

 III.  EXIT ASSESSMENTS:  What are the level exit
assessments your program uses?  How and when are
students promoted?  What was the development process
and timeline?

 Please send hard copies of the above to : 
                  Bonnita Solberg, Teacher on Special
Assignment
                  % Oakland Adult Career & Education
Program
                  Neighborhood Centers
                  750 International Blvd.
                  Oakland, CA  94607

 Thanks for sharing!    Bonnita

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