Need information about ESL in community colleges

[bseabolt]

I have only taught ESL for one year, so I am still learning. I have a couple of students who are planning to go to a local community college. What can I tell these girls to expect when they leave high school and start at a local community college. Will they get credit for ESL classes? Will the ESL classes be helpful for them or should they just take academic classes? Will they have extra help available? What will the curriculum be like?

[Lorikeet]

Can you say where the Community College is? I think it is different in different states, if you are speaking of U.S. Community Colleges.

[bseabolt]

I am sorry I am referring to Texas community colleges. However, if anyone has information about any community college in the US I would appreciate it. I am curious about how ESL works in higher education.

[Lorikeet]

Well I couldn't tell you about Texas, but I know a little about California. In our community college, we have credit and non-credit classes. The credit classes include both degree-applicable and non-degree-applicable. Many other credit courses have minimum English language requirements. Students who "just take" academic classes when they should take ESL classes generally do not succeed. There is a placement test to find which level is appropriate. The lower non-degree applicable courses are more intensive and cover more areas. The higher level courses are heavy on writing. There is a lot of extra help available for anyone who wants it.