The Ann Arbor Public Schools Adult Education program has expanded its English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to new locations this fall. ESL classes are now being offered at Lincoln Consolidated Schools as well as the new Michigan Works location, 1201 E. Ellsworth Road.
Beth Carlson, Adult Education Co-Facilitator, said she is excited about the expansion. “We’re adding ESL classes at the Michigan Works site, which is a new location, and Lincoln consolidated schools asked if we could offer evening ESL classes there for immigrant parents of students.”
The need for more ESL classes was evident due to the large immigrant population in the area. With help from AAPS ELL teachers and community outreach, enrollment has increased. This is the first time classes are being held at Lincoln and Michigan Works. Daytime classes were added at Michigan Works based on student requests for scheduling flexibility.
New students such as Ann Arbor resident Jose Ramos, who is from Chile, and Ypsilanti resident Alex Marshall, are signing up to improve their English skills and earn a GED diploma. Others like Ann Arbor’s Jiwon Jheong from Korea want to improve speaking skills.
“I really expect to meet many people from other countries,” said Jheong, who arrived in Ann Arbor just last month and expects to live here just a year. “In Korea, many students learn English from elementary school through university, but it focuses on reading and listening, so speaking and writing is always hard for many Koreans.”
The partnership with Michigan Works will provide adult learners with access to job training programs, resume writing, careers and assistance when searching for jobs, said Adult Ed Co-Facilitator Jacqueline Scott.
She noted that in addition to the new locations, students can choose to take classes at the current location—Pathways to Success Academic Campus in Ann Arbor. A counselor and a career coach on staff help students navigate through the college process as well, she said.
We meet students where they are,” said Scott. “We understand that life happens. If you need to stop out for whatever reason, we will be here when you return. No questions asked, no judgment.”
Students are tested to determine their English proficiency level and placed in appropriate classes, which begin the week of Sept. 18. To register, go to a2school.org and enter “adult ed” in the search box.
Questions? Call the AAPS Adult Education office at 734-997-1250.
