The English as a Second Language program requires that ESL students enter R-MA with a minimum score of 30 on the Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) Test. International students whose English capabilities fall below the score of 30 are required to attend the ESL Summer School session prior to being admitted in the fall.

Students are tested upon their arrival. While R-MA will consider previously submitted SLEP scores as part of the admissions packet, we do not accept these scores for placement into English or ESL classes. Placement is determined by the score achieved on the SLEP Test taken upon arrival.

The current ESL program features a curriculum which addresses the needs of the second language learner in the skill areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Grammar study is a key component at each of the first three levels (ESL I, ESL II and ESL III), while reading, writing and TOEFL Prep are the primary focus of the Introduction to Mainstream English offering.

ESL I Grammar and Vocabulary

Goals for this course include comprehension of basic grammar, from “to be” to the past continuous and beyond. Grammar is introduced in conversation form. It is reinforced through readings and writing exercises.  Vocabulary development is also a main focus. Book reports, projects, short story study, weekly journal writings and a taste of idioms are also included.

ESL I Reading and Writing

This course works to develop sentence level and paragraph level writing skills for beginning ESL students. It includes intensive work to extend reading comprehension abilities through reading response writings, comprehension exercises and discussions.

ESL II Grammar and Vocabulary

This course is designed for intermediate level language learners. Goals include a reinforcement of basic grammar, and an introduction and intense study of more complex grammar, including further development of conversational skills, reading skills, writing skills and vocabulary development. Journal writings, idiom study, book reports, projects and an introduction to TOEFL are included.

ESL II Reading and Writing

This course works to improve paragraph-level writing and essay writing skills for intermediate ESL students. It includes intensive work to extend reading comprehension abilities through reading response writings, comprehension exercises and discussions.

ESL III Grammar and Vocabulary

This course is designed for high intermediate English language learners. Goals include further reinforcement of basic grammar as well as an introduction and intense study of more complex grammar through various means. More time is devoted at this level to discussions and problem-solving. Development of vocabulary remains a top focus. As this is one of two “transition” classes, much class time is devoted to literature in its various forms.

ESL III Reading/Writing

This course is designed for high intermediate English language learners. The goals are to improve essay writing skills and to build reading comprehension skills through reading response entries, comprehension exercises and discussions along with selected readings, both of the short story and novel genres.

Introduction to Mainstream English

This course is offered to the most advanced of the ESL population, those scoring between a 52 and 56 on the SLEP. This course focuses heavily on reading, writing and vocabulary. While literature is introduced at the ESL III level, it is a mainstay in this course. Many of the activities done in the mainstream English classes are also featured here. TOEFL Prep is also a regular part of this course.