WORD ~ ESL 2023 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI. 49503 (616) 454
4874 [email protected]
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- Program began in 1998 - Need for English classes on the West
side of Grand Rapids - Funded primarily by the Dominican Sisters of
Grand Rapids - Moved to Dominican Sisters Campus in the fall of
2012. History of the WORD ~ ESL
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- Sr. Carmen Rostar became director in 2003 - Textbooks and
reference materials were updated - Relationships developed with
area colleges for tutors Program Development
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Student Population - Adults from 18 to 75 - Immigrants and
refugees - Largely Hispanic population - Also students from Russia,
Bosnia, Africa and Vietnam - Includes doctors, nurses, teachers,
engineers, and accountants
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- The WORD ~ ESL program aims to provide the students with a
safe, welcoming environment where we provide the basic English
language skills they need to improve the quality of their lives and
to become active members of our society. - Helps alleviate poverty
- Increases community involvement Mission and Goals of the WORD ~
ESL
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- Provides necessary skills to give students the full advantage
of employment and educational opportunities - Helps students
connect with social agencies to meet their needs - Meets needs and
stretch students abilities - Welcomes the strangers in our
community Other Goals of the Program
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WORD ~ ESL Dominican Sisters Total volunteer force contributes
to our program - They are committed and generous - Area college
students add energy to the program and gain experience in the field
of education - They make a difference in the lives of the students
as they build on their literacy skills Tutors are the core of our
Program
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Students attend one class per week - Monday & Wednesday
10:00 -11:30 a.m. - Tuesday & Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Adult
ESL Instruction - Two semesters of 14 to 18 weeks - Six week summer
session
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- Emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, and writing - Helps
develop necessary life skills to function on a daily basis Adult
ESL Instruction - One-on-one lessons - Interaction with other
students and tutors
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Advanced Conversation Group - Small discussion groups for more
advanced students - Uses Connect With English video series -
Provides students with real life situations such as leaving home,
prejudice, and seeking higher education - Incorporates grammar,
reading, conversation, and comprehension checks
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-Beginning students can review as much as they need to learn
new vocabulary and concepts -Reinforces vocabulary, reading,
writing and comprehension ESL Computer Lab - Computer lab can
accommodate four student using various programs - Students gain
computer skills and work at their own pace
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Continued Development of the ESL Program -New site enables us
to meet groups as well as provide private tutor space (former piano
practice rooms) - Computers in rooms as well as in the open space -
New textbooks and readers are provided
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Social Activities - Fun while learning - Welcoming atmosphere
for our adult learners - Sharing in holidays of various
cultures
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- Grants enable tutors to participate in State conferences - On
line tutor training also available - Resource material provides for
professional growth Importance of Professional Development -
Professional development of the tutors is crucial to students
growth - Initial in-service provides nine hours of professional
development
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- Offers recommendations for policy and procedures - Provides
input for administration of the program Formation of the Advisory
Board - Re-instituted in 2006 - Guides the ESL program through
change
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Our Grants Primary support of Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids
Others: Christian Brothers, Grand Rapids Foundation, State of
Michigan
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WORD ~ ESL Dominican Sisters Citizenship Classes Collaborating
with
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- Must have permanent resident card for five years - Be able to
speak, read and write in English - Offered at GRCC West Side
Learning Corner - Follow-up clinic with professionals to complete
citizenship forms Citizenship Program One day a week for six weeks.
Each class runs for two hours.
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Citizenship Program View our Power Point on the development of
the Citizenship program at: grdominicans.org grdominicans.org