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English for Speakers of Other Languages

All persons interested in taking ESOL classes must come to the Notre Dame Education Center main office and register. Applicants will receive information by mail with a date and time for placement testing. NDEC offers English language classes to immigrant adults. All levels of classes include listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice. At present NDEC services students from more than 40 countries. ESOL students learn to use the computer as part of their language-learning studies. Pre-Literacy classes emphasize the basics of reading and writing for those students who are just beginning to learn those skills. These classes also work on strengthening speaking and listening skills.

ESOL 1 provides beginning-level speakers of English with the most important vocabulary and grammar needed to communicate in English at a basic level. Instruction is presented in a realistic way using everyday life situations.

ESOL 2 continues the work of ESOL 1 helping students to develop stronger speaking and listening skills and a larger vocabulary. Grammar, reading, and writing skills are developed as well using real life topics and texts.

ESOL 3 offers Intermediate level students expanded vocabulary development and more complex grammar. Students will have extensive practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

ESOL 4 builds on skills developed in the prior levels. There is a major emphasis on further developing reading and writing skills and continuing practice of speaking, pronunciation, and listening.

Classes are offered Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 11:00 AM or 11:45 AM – 2:15 PM.

Evening classes meet two times each week from 5:30 – 8:00 PM.

For further information about any of these programs, please contact Michele Moore, ESOL Program Coordinator, at 617-268-1912, x231 or email
Michele Moore

Citizenship Program

Citizenship classes are offered to students who are in the process of Naturalization. The program includes preparation in the basics of US History, the role of the US government, responsibilities of US citizens, and writing practice from dictation.

Classes are offered on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

Morning classes meet from 9:30 -11:00 AM.
Evening classes meet from 5:30 – 8:00 PM.

For further information about NDEC’s Citizenship program, please contact Sr. Gerry Stanton, SND, Immigration Counselor, at 617-268-1912, x223 or email at Gerry Stanton.

Literacy Programs

 Students interested in registering for a class in the Literacy Department should call the main office or come in person to fill out a Literacy Information Form. Upon receipt of the form, the student will be notified about registration dates, when to take a placement test, and do a writing sample.

The Literacy Department offers three levels of adult education with intensive instruction in reading, math, writing, and computer classes.

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

ABE 1 offers instruction in basic reading to adult non-readers.

ABE 2 offers instruction in writing, math, reading, and computer for students.

After successfully completing the ABE program, students can choose to continue their education in a Pre-GED program provided the grade equivalency is appropriate. Pre-GED program offers instruction in reading, writing, English, math, and computer. This course of study prepares students to go on to the GED providing the grade equivalency is 9.0-12.0.

Alternative High School Programs

General Educational Development (GED)

This program prepares adult students working at the high school level to take the 5 GED tests in literature, writing, math, science, and social studies. The intense course of study sharpens critical thinking skills necessary to pass these tests.

For more information about these programs, please contact Anna Fernandez-Buehrens, Literacy Program Coordinator, via email at
 AnnaFernandez-Buehrens or call 617-268-1912, x247.

High School Diploma Program

High School students can apply to the program by completing an interview and bringing a copy of their high school transcripts. This program is designed for students who need to finish credits for a full high school diploma.

To be eligible, a student must have earned enough credits to be considered a high school junior. Tuition is $400.00 per class. Limited financial aid is available.

Courses include:

• Science: Biology, Earth Science
• Humanities: Art, World Religions, Life Skills
• Literature: World, British, American
• Social Studies: US History, World History
• Math: Geometry, Algebra II

Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 1:15 pm-3:15 pm and 3:15–5:15 pm, as needed for thirty-six weeks over two semesters.

Each course meets twice a week for two hours. Contact the Case Manager, K. Toussaint Lacoste, at 617-268-1912, x239 or email at K. Toussant Lacoste or the Program Coordinator, Donna Pomponio, at 617-268-1912, x245 or via email at  Donna Pomponio.

Distance Learning

ESOL students choose Distance Learning to improve their English skills. Students need to have access to a computer with an Internet connection. USA Learns is the online curriculum. Students watch interesting stories about US culture while learning vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and other basic skills. Teachers are available online to help students and communicate with one another on a community-based website called Weebly.

For further information please contact Margaret Lanen SND, Distance Learning Program Coordinator, at 617-268-1912, x303 or email at
Margaret Lanen.

Support Services

All students have the opportunity to take advantage of the Support Services offered at the Center. These services include, but are not limited to, Job/Career Counseling, Immigration Counseling, Technology Support, Tutoring Services, Education Counseling, and Transitions/Integration Coaching.

Each member of the Support Staff attempts to have a flexible schedule to have some availability to day and evening students.

Technology

All Literacy and ESOL students spend time in the computer lab each week. Students in the ESOL Program use the software programs Rosetta Stone and/or USA Learns to learn English. Literacy Program students have access to Skills Tutor and Key Train software to further their learning. Other workshops are offered to students including:
• Typing/Keyboarding
• Introduction to Windows Operating System
• Microsoft Office
• Using Email
• Navigating the Internet

Cyber Café

The NDEC Cyber Cafe is open to adults in the South Boston community who want to learn computer basics. Participants do not need to be enrolled at NDEC. The class meets once a week for an hour and one-half.