Noncredit ELL

Noncredit English Language Learner (ELL) courses, formerly called ESL or English as a Second Language (ESL), consist of multi-level English instruction for anyone 18 years or older. The courses move learners from a beginner level to a solid intermediate level of proficiency. The classes cover the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as improving pronunciation and building vocabulary. The primary goal of the course is to teach communicative competence, that is, the ability to communicate in English according to the situation, purpose, and roles of the participants. The CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System) is used to appraise the students' English reading and listening skills and to place them in the appropriate learning level.

Registration for Spring Session #2 is now closed.

A registration link for Summer Session (May 17 – June 24) will appear on this website on Monday, April 19th, 2021.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact:

John Windheuser: jbwindheuser@dmacc.edu; 515-697-7764 (leave a message)
Lori Rice: lsrice@dmacc.edu; 515-287-8723 (leave a message)

Registration and Testing Appointment Details

You MUST make an appointment to be able to register for classes. We will not be able to help people without appointments.
Appointments will take place in-person, but classes will be online.
Please wear a mask to your appointment and maintain 6-foot distance from others at all times.
Please allow up to 2 hours for testing.
Please do not bring family members or children with you.
Following your testing session, staff will meet with you to determine the appropriate ELL class level.

Attendance

If you register for a class, you must come to class. If you don't come to class, you will be dropped from the class. View the attendance policy.

FAQs

What locations offer classes?

Due to COVID-19, all classes are currently being offered online. In order to participate, you must have internet access and either a smart phone, tablet or computer.

What levels of class are available?

DMACC Non-Credit ELL program is currently offering six levels of classes (from basic to advanced).

What times of the day can I take class?

Classes are currently being offered at the following times: 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. OR, 6:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

How do I sign up for classes?

Starting on Monday, April 19, 2021, a registration appointment link will become available on this website. Click on the link, select a location/date/time for your registration appointment and then fill out a little bit of information about yourself. This reserves a registration appointment for you for Summer Session (May 17- June 24). Registration appointments will take place in-person, but classes will be online.

Please note, we cannot accept registration appointments before April 19th, 2021

At your registration appointment, you will take a short placement test to find your class level. After you finish with your test, you will talk with a DMACC staff member about your schedule and register for a class.

How much do classes cost?

Classes are free. Our classes utilize an “online textbook” called Burlington English and you do NOT need to pay for it. Your teacher will talk to you about Burlington English during the first week of class and provide you with a username and password.

Do I have to attend every class?

We understand that sometimes students need to miss class for appointments, sick children, illness, vacation, etc. However, you should try to come to class as much as possible and, if you need to miss class, please tell your teacher. If you miss three days of class in a row and have not told your teacher that you will be gone, you will be dropped from the class. You will not be able to come back to class until the next session.

Can I bring my kids to class?

We understand that many kids are also at home learning at this time. However, it is best if you can participate in your class without the distraction of your children.

How do I progress through the program?

Students are assessed with the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) reading and listening tests and with formal and informal in-class assessments carried out by instructors. Students move through the program (move up through the different levels of classes) based on their test scores and the recommendations of instructors. It is not uncommon for students to take the same level of class several times.

What can I do when I finish the program?

Once a student has completed the most advanced levels of the program, they have several options for continued study including:

HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) classes
Credit classes at DMACC (including credit ELL classes)
DMACC Workforce Training Academy

Spring Session #1 classes will meet from January 11, 2021 – March 4, 2021. A link to make a registration/testing appointment for Spring Session #1 classes will become available on this website on Monday, December 14, 2020.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact:

John Windheuser: jbwindheuser@dmacc.edu; 515-697-7764 (leave a message)
Lori Rice: lsrice@dmacc.edu; 515-287-8723 (leave a message)