DMACC – Boone

​​​​​​​​​​​​Noncredit English Language Learner (ELL) courses, formerly called ESL or English as a Second Language (ESL), consist of multi-level English instruction.  The courses move learners from a beginner level to a solid intermediate level of proficiency. The classes cover the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as improving pronunciation and building vocabulary. The primary goal of the course is to teach communicative competence, that is, the ability to communicate in English according to the situation, purpose, and roles of the participants. The CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System) is used to appraise the students’ English reading and listening skills and to place them in the appropriate learning level.

HiSET tests give adults a chance to earn their jurisdiction’s or State’s High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, which certifies they have attained the educational level of a high school graduate. The HiSET test is a series of five tests covering writing, science, math, literature and the arts, and social studies. These tests require the test taker to apply reading, math, language, and critical thinking skills. Tests are taken one at a time, and can be taken in any order, as long as writing and math are not last. Passing the HiSET test series allows student to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).