College contact: Liza A. Becker, Assistant Director, English as a Second

Language and International Programs

1100 N Grand Ave

Walnut, CA 91789

(909) 594-5611 x5233, lbecker@mtsac.edu

The goals of the practice are to provide LEP students with a supportive educational

system that improves English language skills, provides opportunities for higher levels of

vocational and academic education, increases job readiness skills, and encourages career

exploration through research and work-based experience. Mt. San Antonio College

currently serves over 5,000 LEP students in the non-credit ESL department. The college

offers a tiered ESL and VESL program that is built upon the concept of laddering, with

each level of student accomplishment leading to greater academic preparedness,

vocational/career advancement opportunities, and increased civic/community

participation. Students are assessed upon entry into one of seven levels of ESL (Pre-level

1 through Level 6) and are provided with an interactive orientation to the program, the

campus, and educational/career opportunities. As a student advances, a certificate is

awarded for each level successfully completed. This advancement is based on the

student’s portfolio record of skills and accomplishments, including successful completion

of a project such as development of a resume, demonstration of successful job interview

techniques during a mock interview, or organizing a service learning or volunteerism

assignment. When a student reaches levels 5 and 6, they are eligible to apply for the

VESL program.

The VESL program includes two Technical/Vocational Education tracks: Careers in

Business and Careers in Health. The program includes a counseling component and

information on transitioning to credit academic and vocational classes, business

vocabulary, training in keyboarding and basic computer skills, and completion of a final

project. Students can also enroll in a one-unit career guidance course, staffed by a

counselor who is licensed in disability assessments and specializes in serving LEP

populations. Final projects are class/student-driven and often involve a project or

presentation that synthesizes their learning.