English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is the fastest growing area of the adult basic education system.

the need

• Nearly 32 million people in the United States speak languages other than English - a 38 percent increase over 1980.
• More than 50 percent of adults learning English as a second language are Hispanic. Other common first languages of ESOL participants are: French, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
• There is not enough space in programs to serve everyone who wants to learn English. Most cities have waiting lists of several months to several years, and some rural areas have no available classes.

esol programs

• ESOL programs vary in scope and content. Some programs, especially those for recent arrivals, emphasize life skills and focus on improving listening and speaking abilities. Others stress vocational topics, citizenship education, family literacy, or academic or GED preparation.
• Over one million adults are enrolled in federally-funded ESOL instruction. Many more are tutored by volunteers in churches, libraries, local businesses and unions, community colleges, and other community-based organizations.

All information obtained from the National Institute for Literacy at (202) 632-1500.

P.O. Box 1036 | Okemos, MI 48805 | (517) 349-7511

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