Using the results of both the composition exam and oral exam, ESL course recommendations are made if the student demonstrates weaknesses in certain English language skills areas. These recommendations are then sent to the administrative staff of department offices to be passed on to academic advisors. However, the composition exam and the oral exam administered by the ESL Program do assess these productive language skills. If the results of these exams indicate language deficiencies, the student may be recommended for an ESL class to facilitate the student's improvement in that specific skill area. If a student displays a lack of grammatical control, it is unrealistic to think that student will be able to handle the simultaneous demands of processing new academic information while attempting to overcome major deficiencies in the control of English grammar.
Students have an opportunity to produce another writing sample on the first day of class.
If the second sample exhibits fewer language problems, the placement decision is reconsidered. Some talented students can improve their skills on their own, but these students are the exception, not the rule. Most students need systematic practice with feedback and guidance from an instructor who understands how to help ESL learners overcome their language skills deficiencies. The free community programs teach basic survival English. At the higher education level, ESL classes focus on providing skills which students need to compete successfully in the college classroom.