SCC offers English Language Acquisition courses

Surry Community College is offering an English Language Acquisition (ELA) courses for individuals who is struggling with or hoping to learn to speak, read or write English more fluently. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes are available for free. Classes are available to everyone ages 16 and older.

Students are given assessment tests to gauge their starting level and as they progress throughout the program. While students don’t necessarily graduate, once they improve, they are promoted to higher levels within the program.

“Progression depends entirely on the students’ readiness, determined through formal and informal assessments. Some students stay for months, while others remain in the program longer. Students advance at their own pace,” said Jennifer Pardue, director of college and career readiness.

The program welcomes any English level; classes focus on reading, writing, and conversation. The program is designed with the intention of students adapting to American culture and/or entering the workforce.

“Students’ starting level does not matter; it doesn’t matter if they can’t read or write in their own language. We will start students where they are and make sure they get the information that they need to be successful,” said Courtney Jackson, another official at the college who serves as Adult High School coordinator.

“I’ve taken other English classes, but I like this one better,” said Mariela Rangel Rodriguez, a student in the intermediate to advanced class. “We get to do activities; we read and write and listen to each other. It is very interactive.”

Various students also chimed in and mentioned that the instructors are patient and make them feel comfortable.

Amy Cooper, an instructor in the program, states, “These students are very hardworking. Many have families and full-time jobs or work nightshifts. And yet they come ready to learn every day. Sometimes I’ll have to close their workbooks, so they can eat their lunch peacefully,” she said laughing. “They just want to learn as much as possible.”

“For example, we have this one student. When she started classes here, she spoke only Spanish. She didn’t read it or write it, nor did she speak English,” said Instructor Tammy Taylor. “Now, she can read and write both in English and Spanish, as well as speak English. Sometimes, whenever I see her writing, I get chills. Seeing the students be motivated helps me, as an instructor, be motivated.”

While the classes operate on a schedule, Pardue said not to worry. “Potential students may see the times that we have available and that may intimidate them. But it’s more of an open schedule; we have students who work nightshifts and may not get to class until 11 a.m. That’s okay. Furthermore, I want to emphasize that we do not charge for these classes. Students shouldn’t feel apprehensive; we have students that don’t have citizenship, and we are here to help them. It shouldn’t be something that hinders them from seeking help. Everything is flexible; we may be the most flexible program that SCC offers, as far as time, location, education levels, and age are concerned.”

SCC also offers a Citizenship Pathway course, high school equivalency, and post-secondary classes that English Language Acquisition students can transfer to or pair with the classes. The Citizenship Pathway class and High School Equivalency/Adult High School Diploma classes are also free.

Additionally, the program is offering a new initiative in which local businesses with large non-English speaking populations can contact the program so that instructors may go and teach procedures or safety policies on-site, at no cost.

The classes are offered on SCC’s Dobson campus in the daytime and evening as well as at Elkin Elementary School during the evening. The Citizenship Pathway class is offered on the Dobson campus in the daytime and evening.

The High School Equivalency/Adult High School Diploma classes are offered on the SCC Dobson campus in the daytime and evening and during the day at the Mount Airy Public Library, Yadkin Center and Elkin Center. A High School Equivalency in Spanish class is offered during the daytime and evening on the Dobson campus. For more information, call 336-386-3660.