Special Populations Collaborative

Effective Practices for Limited English Proficient Students

Glendale College English for Special Purposes Course

English for Special Purposes Course

Pairing ESL and Introductory Vocational Education

College: Glendale College

College Contact: Jan Swinton, Associate Dean, Instruction & Workforce Development

1500 N Verdugo Rd Glendale, CA 91208

818-240-1000 x5158, jswinton@glendale.edu

Description: The practice is designed to improve English-As-A-Second-Language and workplace vocabulary skills for LEP students seeking employment in vocational and technical occupational areas. Glendale College serves a diverse community with over 500 LEP students attending vocational and technical courses (2003-04). To make learning both relevant and useful, the college has created a 2-unit course, English for Special Purposes (ESL 177), which combines English-language skills with vocational workplace terminology. Students learn idiomatic expressions along with basic vocational skills in preparation for enrollment in more advanced technical and vocational courses.