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Adults whose native language is not English can attend classes at MATC to improve their English oral, reading and writing skills. The goal of English as a Second Language (ESL) is to enable adults to communicate in English in day-to-day life and work situations. To help achieve this goal, students work both in structured classroom and lab settings. Instruction includes an array of curriculum utilizing audio, computer, workbook and conversational materials and some off-campus activities (such as fieldtrips).
ESL classes at MATC are offered to adults who are US citizens, permanent residents or refugees and who are current residents of Wisconsin. If you are here on a Visa (types A – J) you will need permission from the College Preparedness & Academic Advancement Center (CPAAC) in order to attend ESL classes, please call (608) 258-2440 to make an appointment. All ESL classes are non-credit and offered tuition free although some classes have a small materials fee or require the purchase of a textbook.
How many levels are there?
There are currently eight (8) levels of ESL:
- Level 1 is for low-beginning ESL learners who need to acquire basic literacy. Course competencies include learning the English alphabet, number and simple words.
- Level 2 is for beginning ESL learners and encourages student participation in basic listening, reading, writing and oral activities such as comprehending short utterances and simple expressions.
- Level 3 is for high-beginning ESL learners and emphasizes student participation in more complex listening, reading, writing and oral activities such as survival language, completing basic forms and reading short passages.
- Level 4 is for low-intermediate ESL learners. The focus of this level includes developing English reading and writing skills and participation in speaking and listening activities.
- Level 5 is for high-intermediate learners. This level helps students with formal and informal conversational skills. Students also improve their reading rate, comprehension, writing and grammar skills and new vocabulary.
- Level 6 is for advanced ESL learners and builds on the content of level 5. This level emphasizes listening skills, oral skills, critical reading strategies and applying comprehension.
- Level 7 is a transition course for advanced ESL students who are preparing to enter academic programs. Emphasis is on developing and applying comprehension and critical reading strategies, mastering the writing process and grammar.
- Level 8 is a transition course for advanced ESL students preparing to enter academic programs and builds on the content of Level 7. Competencies include comprehension and critical reading of challenging literary and academic
text, vocabulary development, writing essays, research, note taking and test taking skills and effective classroom discussion.
When/where are classes offered?
The majority of ESL classes are offered at the Downtown Education Center (DTEC). Classes are scheduled during the daytime, evenings and Saturday mornings. Most classes meet 5 to 6 hours a week, generally on 2 days of the week (i.e. Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday), with the exception of Saturday classes and workshops. Other structured ESL classes are offered at the South Madison Community Campus (SMCC) – usually offering classes between levels 1 through 5 and the Truax Campus – offering levels 6, 7 and 8.
At MATC sites where there are not enough students to support structured classes (such as Outreach sites and Regional campuses), ESL is taught in a lab setting. This allows students at various levels to work independently through the use of workbooks, audio tapes, videos, and computers with instructor support.
At MATC outreach sites, classes are open entry throughout the term. Students can register during class time when the instructor is scheduled to be at that site. Assessment and registration will be done by the instructor. Contact the CPAAC office for a list of outreach sites.
Getting started
To get started you need to attend an Orientation Session. The session can take up to 3-4 hours, so plan accordingly. No appointment is needed. You must arrive on time; seats are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Students arriving late will not be admitted. Also, no children are allowed at the Orientation session. At the Orientation you will:
- Receive information on ESL classes offered through MATC
- Receive general information about MATC and the different programs offered
- Take the ESL Compass assessment test which is done on the computer
- Obtain your ESL Compass test results and ESL placement level
- Receive registration information
ESL Orientation schedule (27K PDF document)
Last Modified:
November 12, 2008
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