WORD ~ ESL 2023 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI (616) 454 – 4874

- Program began in 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 History of the WORD ~ ESL

- Sr. Carmen Rostar became director in Textbooks and reference materials were updated - Relationships developed with area colleges for tutors Program Development

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

- 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

- 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

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

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

- 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

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

-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

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

Social Activities - Fun while learning - Welcoming atmosphere for our adult learners - Sharing in holidays of various cultures

- 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

- Offers recommendations for policy and procedures - Provides input for administration of the program Formation of the Advisory Board - Re-instituted in Guides the ESL program through change

Our Grants Primary support of Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids Others: Christian Brothers, Grand Rapids Foundation, State of Michigan

WORD ~ ESL Dominican Sisters Citizenship Classes Collaborating with

- 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.

Citizenship Program View our Power Point on the development of the Citizenship program at: grdominicans.org grdominicans.org