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English as a Second Language (ESL)/English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Resources - Adult Education and Literacy Services

The Adult Education and Literacy Services Division provides assistance to Maryland Department of Labor funded adult education programs to offer English language instruction for adults. The mission of the Division is to prepare all learners for the workplace and life long learning, and to assist parents to become full partners in their children’s education. Instructors funded through the Maryland Department of Labor are trained to help learners develop the skills necessary to advance toward personal goals that may create a pathway to vocational or educational attainment. Ultimately, the goals attained will lead to participation in the diverse society of the United States.

Below, ESL instructors will find information pertaining to program and curriculum standards, helpful instructional tools, newsletters and links to ESL sites.

EL (English Literacy) Civics Resources

Adult ESL Quality Program Standards
This document provides guidelines for identifying and improving adult ESL programs. The guidelines for program improvement and accountability are defined through standards and described as sample measures.

ESOL Customer Service Training Curriculum
The ESOL Customer Service Training is designed for students who are both language learners and job seekers. The curriculum incorporates customer service, job readiness and ESOL with cultural competencies. The program was developed and field tested on students at the Low Intermediate and High Intermediate skill level.

The package includes both Teacher Guide and Student Book covering seven units with lessons and activities that can be readily accessed and implemented in the classroom. Audio Files will be available soon.

Maryland Content Standards for Adult ESL/ESOL
This document is an instructional framework for ESL and EL/Civic instructors and administrators that defines the language skills of students at specific levels. Learner competencies, cultural, workplace, Metacognitive, and technology skills are included. This document can be used to guide instruction or align local curriculum.

Maryland ESL Content Standards Training Guide
The purpose of this training guide is to provide Maryland state and local trainers the information they need to train other instructors in their programs about the purpose and use of the content standards document. It is the intention of this training guide to provide consistent training in all Maryland Adult Education Programs while allowing adjustments to meet the needs of individual programs. Handouts and PowerPoint presentations are also available.

Maryland Adult Education Program Standards
The Program Standards provide guidelines for improving the quality and accountability of adult education programs. They afford adult education professionals the opportunity to develop practical and realistic guidelines applicable to programs throughout the state, from small rural programs to large metropolitan ones. The standards take into account program demographics and the needs of learners.

The CAELA Guide for Adult ESL Trainers
This guide contains training materials for training practitioners who are working with adult English language learners. Includes information for trainers, workshop modules, study guides for study circles and mentoring, and resources for training.

ESL Instruction/Observation Tools
The materials were designed by the Maryland ESL Workgroup.