DMACC: English Language Learning (ELL)

​​​​​​​​​​​​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.