Initial Blog Entry

“English for Speakers of Other Languages.” Virginia Beach Public Schools. 7 Jan. 2010. The Adult Learning Center. Web. 22 Jan. 2010

Gonzalez, Arturo. "Which English Skills Matter to Immigrants? The Acquisition and Value of Four English Skills." Language Ideologies: Critical Perspectives on the Official English Movement, Volume 1: Education and the Social Implications of Official Language. Posted on Blackboard.

For my initial blog entry, I am posting a link where you can find more information about an Adult Learning Center’s ESOL classes located in Virginia Beach. From the ALC site’s home page, I clicked on ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). The ALC is offering classes to “non-native speakers of English” and “the program consists of....reading, writing, speaking, and listening.” After reading this portion of the site, I thought of Gonzalez and his article “Which English Skills Matter to Immigrants? The Acquisition and Value of Four English Skills.” Gonzalez argues that immigrants should be given time to assimilate into American society/culture and notes that “time [residing] in the United States is associated with a higher probability of proficiency” (6). Furthermore, he comments “that in order to increase the literacy among recent immigrants, basic educational skills may be necessary in adult ESL courses” (7). After perusing the ALC site as well as the advertisement for ESOL courses, I think Gonzalez would respond in a positive manner to the ALC’s actions. Their ESOL courses are offered during the day and at night which allows potential students with busy schedules to enroll at a time which is convenient for them. The courses are also available at two different locations adequately accommodating the needs of many. However, I do have some issues with the ad. It talks about a testing process and putting students into “the appropriate class.” I wonder what that test looks like and how the examiners of that test assess the scores. In addition to this, I must add that the cost of the course is reasonable, but if, as Gonzalez mentions, oral proficiency correlates with monetary reward in this country, then I suggest cost might be of some concern (especially to newer immigrants). Finally, because the ad is in English, I wonder how much the students are already expected to know in terms of their reading ability. Near the end of his essay, Gonzalez points out that “the ability to communicate in various languages is a positive, not a negative, attribute” (10). I will add that effective communication is an asset - a resource which should be held in high esteem.