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Welcome to our program

Centre City

Cesar Chavez

Mid-City

Last
Instructor

Educational
Cultural Complex

North City

West City

First

Student ID
Room

Class level

GENERAL PROGRAM
INFORMATION
General Information

ESL Classes

1. What is the name of our school?

1. How many levels of ESL classes are there?

There are 7 levels of ESL classes.

Sometimes a class is one level.
Sometimes a class is two or
more levels.

1,2,3 = Beginning

4,5 = Intermediate

6,7 = Advanced

The name of our school is San Diego

Continuing Education.

2. How many Continuing Education

campuses are there?

There are six main campuses

in San Diego (see cover).

3. How much does it cost to take classes?

All ESL classes are free.

2. When are the ESL classes?

4. Where do I get a student ID card?

Our school does not give student

ID cards, but you can get a student
attendance card at your campus.

You can attend

ESL classes in
the morning,
afternoon and
evening. Some
campuses have
Friday night and
Saturday classes.

5. Can I bring my children to class with me?

No, children are

not allowed in
the classroom.

3. Can I attend more than one class?

Yes, you can attend more than

one class.

4. How long are the classes?

6. Is there a club for students?

(2)

Some campuses have Associated

Student Body groups. Ask
your counselor.

Most classes are 2 or 3 hours long.

Some are shorter. Most classes are
18 weeks long (one semester).

Fall Semester = September to January
Spring Semester = January to June
Summer Session = June to July or August

5. Can I start at level 1?

10. What tests will I take in ESL classes?

The ESL registration office gives you a

test to place you in the correct level
of English. Each class reviews the
English from lower levels.

6. Can I change to a different level during

the semester?

If the class is not right for you,

tell your instructor or your counselor,
or go to the ESL registration office.

7. How long can I stay in a level?

You can stay in the same ESL class

until you are ready to move.

You will take a standardized test

4 or 5 times each year: in September,
November, February, March, and
May. It is important
to take at least two
tests. Your instructor
will also give you
tests on the lessons
in your class.

11. Will I receive a Certificate for

taking classes?

At the end of each semester,

if you attend the required hours,
you may receive a Certificate
of Participation.

8. How long does it take to finish a level?

There is no time limit to complete

a level. It depends on your progress.

9. Do I need to buy a book?

Yes, you need to buy

a book.

(3)

GENERAL PROGRAM
INFORMATION
Attending and Missing Classes

Computers and Technology

1. Do I have to stay for the whole class?

1. Can I learn how to use a computer

in my ESL class?

It is important to come on time and

stay for the whole class. If you need
to miss some class time, please tell
your instructor.

2. Do I have to come to class every day?

You can attend class even if you

cannot come everyday. If you will be
absent, please tell your instructor.
If you are in a managed enrollment
class, you will need to attend at least
80% of the classes.

2. Are there any ESL computer labs

at my campus?

3. Who do I call if I am absent for

more than three days in a row?

If you are absent

more than three days
in a row, call
-

4. What do I do if I am absent for a long time?

If you are absent for a long time,

you are welcome to return to school
anytime if there is space in the
classroom. If you are in a managed
enrollment class, you can re-enter
the class the first week of the next
session if space is available.

5. What do I do if I cannot come

to school anymore?

(4)

Notify your instructor by telephone

or e-mail.

Most campuses have ESL

computer labs.

3. What are the requirements to use the

computer labs?

You may learn some computer skills

in your ESL class. You will also learn
computer skills in the VESL labs.

Any ESL student can attend an ESL

computer lab. You may also attend
a computer class through the
Business Information Technology
department if your ESL level is
intermediate or advanced.

4. Can I use a school computer for

checking my e-mail?

You may only use school computers

to do projects or activities assigned
by your instructor.

PATHWAYS TO OTHER
CLASSES AND PROGRAMS
College credit ESL classes
City College

Job training/
Certificate programs

Mesa College

Automotive

Miramar College

Computers
Culinary Arts
Electronics
Graphics and Printing

GED/Spanish GED/
High school diploma

Metal Trades
+

Nursing Assistant
Office Skills
Welding

Basic skills

Job training/VESL

Math

Personal Care
Assistant/Caregiver

Reading
Writing

7 Advanced

Special classes/
Other free classes

Citizenship

Computer Labs

Grammar

Pronunciation

Conversation

Writing

6 Advanced
5 Intermediate

VESL
(Vocational ESL)

Students who want to learn

English for job training or
employment can study in
a vocational ESL class (VESL).
In this class you will develop
your English language skills
and study about a job. You can
learn English for the following:
Auto Mechanics

4 Intermediate

Cosmetology
Family Home Day Care
Food Service Worker

3 Beginning
2 Beginning

Housekeeping Hotel/Motel
Nursing Assistant/
Home Health Aide
Office Skills
Retail/Cashier

1 Beginning

Welding

(5)

CLASS
INFORMATION
Student ID
ESL class:

Room #

Time of class

Break time

Instructor

Instructors e-mail address

Class web page

Required book

ESL class:

Room #

Time of class

Break time

Instructor

Instructors e-mail address

Class web page

Required book

CASAS TEST INFORMATION

Test Date

CASAS Test Form #

Number Correct (raw score)

Scale Score

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ESL READING LEVELS

0 - 180
181 - 190
191 - 200
201 - 210

=
=
=
=

Reading 1
Reading 2
Reading 3
Reading 4

211 - 220
221 - 235
236 - 245

=
=
=

Reading 5
Reading 6
Reading 7

(6)

}
}

My CASAS reading goal is

1st score

+ 5 points =

My CASAS reading goal is

1st score

+ 3 points =

CLASSROOM
REMINDERS

1. Be prepared for
class. Bring paper,
pencils, pens,
and a binder.
Organize your
papers in a binder.

2. When you enter,

find a seat.
Do not save
chairs for
other students.

3. If you enter class

late, please enter
quietly and do
not interrupt
the lesson.

4. Return to class
on time after
the break.

5. Be polite.
Listen when
the instructor
or other students
are speaking.

6. Raise your
hand when you
want to speak
or answer a
question.

7. Do not use a cell

phone in the
classroom. Turn
the ringer off.
Put the phone
on vibrate.

8. Do not use a
cell phone near
the classroom.

9. When you take

a test, do your
own work. Do
not look at your
classmates test.

10. Stay on the

right-hand side
of stairs.

11. Let students

exit before
you enter
an elevator.

12. Push the correct

up/down button
for the elevator.

15.

16.

13. If your campus

has an evacuation
drill, stay calm
and follow the
evacuation route.
Do not run or push.

14. Do not use the

elevator when
an alarm rings
or during an
evacuation.
(7)

USEFUL ENGLISH
EXPRESSIONS
1. Asking for clarification

9. Asking for permission

What does
mean?
Could you explain
?
I didnt catch that.
Could you repeat/spell/pronounce
?

Can/could I leave early?

Would you mind if I took the day off?
Would it bother you if I turned on
the radio?

10. Making requests

2. Expressing clarification

What I mean is
What I am saying is
Let me put it this way

.
.

Can I borrow a dictionary?

Could you please check my paper?
Could you hand me the stapler?

11. Expressing likes/preferences

3. Expressing understanding

I understand.
I see.

I get it.

I would like to
Id prefer to
Id rather/rather not

.
.

4. Expressing lack of understanding

12. Offering to help/asking for help

I do not understand. I dont understand.

I dont get it.

I am not following you.

5. Initiating (starting) conversation

Have we met before?

Whats up?
What have you been up to?
Have you heard the news?

Id like you to meet

Id like to introduce
Let me introduce you to

I agree.
I think so, too.

.
.

Youre right.
I feel the same way.

8. Disagreeing

(8)

I disagree.
I dont think so.

Im sorry.
I regret

I apologize.
. Please forgive me.

14. Responding to apologies

7. Agreeing

Do you need any help?

May I help you?
Let me give you a hand.
Could you do me a favor, please?

13. Apologizing

6. Introducing

I dont agree with you.

Thats OK.

Dont worry about it.
We all make mistakes.

PHRASAL
VERBS
1. CROSS OUT: to draw a line through
a mistake.

7. BUBBLE IN: to fill in a bubble on

a form or test.

The instructor wants us to cross out

the mistakes.

Did you bubble in the semester

on your form?

2. FIGURE OUT:
to understand,
to solve a problem.

8. MOVE ON: to continue with

something else.

I cannot figure out

my paystub.

Lets move on to the

next lesson.

3. GET INTO: to join.

9. pass out: to distribute.

We often get into

groups.

Could you pass

out the papers,
please?

4. GO OVER: to review, to look at.

The teacher likes to go over the

previous days lesson at the
beginning of class.

10. shut down: to

turn the power off.

Its time to shut

down the
computers.

5. LEAVE OUT: to omit.

Students often leave out the e-mail

address on the application.

11. turn in: to submit a paper or

an assignment.

6. LOOK UP: to use a resource to find

the information.

The students
always look up
the meaning of
new words in
the dictionary.

I turn in my
homework at
the beginning
of class.

12. watch out: to be careful, to give

a warning.

Watch out!
The floor is wet.

(9)

CULTURAL TIPS
AND US LAWS
Adjusting to a New Culture/
Culture Shock
Adjusting to a new culture can be a
confusing experience. As a result, you may
miss your family and friends. Most people
who come to a new country feel the same
way. This is called culture
shock, and it is temporary.
Here are some ideas to help
you deal with culture shock:
1. Go to ESL classes regularly. Make friends
in class and ask for their e-mail address
or telephone number.

Social Habits
1. In the US, people usually form lines
to wait their turn for services.
2. Some people are uncomfortable
answering questions about private
issues such as salary, age, weight,
money, sex, politics, and religion.
3. Some hand gestures are OK in the US
but they are not OK in other countries.
These gestures are OK in the US:

2. Find an activity you like to do such

as cooking or gardening.
3. Exercise.
4. Visit interesting places, such as
Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, museums,
or beaches.
5. Talk to your instructor, your counselor
or a friend.

Time
People in the United States (US)
think it is very important to be
on time (punctual).
1. At work, the rules for being on time are
very strict. If work begins at 8:00 a.m.,
your boss will say you are late if you
arrive at 8:01 a.m.
2. You should arrive at your ESL class on
time. If you are not on time, take the
first available seat as quickly and
quietly as possible.
(10)

4. People generally like more personal

space than people from many other
countries. People like to stand three
feet (or more) away from each other
when talking.
5. When people talk, they make eye
contact. They are uncomfortable when
people do not make eye contact.

Childs School
1. Parents are encouraged to get involved
in their childs school and education.
2. Parents are invited to attend events
to get information about their childs
progress, class, and school. (For
example, Open House, or Back-toSchool Night, PTA meetings and
parent-teacher conferences.)
3. If you have any questions or concerns,
you can make an appointment with
the teacher, counselor, or principal.
4. Make sure the teacher and school have
your current telephone number(s).
5. Tell the school if your child takes
medicine or has medical conditions.
(For example, asthma, diabetes
or food allergies.)

Women and Men

1. In the US, women and men have the
same rights.
2. There are laws about physically hurting
others, such as disciplining children.
3. Sexual harassment is illegal.

Driving/Driving Safety
1. The driver and all passengers
in a moving car must wear seat
belts at all times.
2. If you are stopped and anyone in the car
is without a seat belt, you will be fined.
3. It is against the law to drive without
a valid drivers license.
4. If you have a foreign drivers license,
it is not valid after three months.
5. Drinking alcohol and driving is a very
serious crime in the United States.
6. In California, you are not allowed to
use a handheld cell phone while driving.
7. If a Police Officer stops you while
driving, follow the Officers instructions.
Offering money to a Police Officer
is illegal.

Environment
1. It is illegal to litter. Put trash, gum,
food, and cigarette butts in appropriate
containers.
2. Please recycle. Put paper,
plastic, and aluminum cans
in blue recycle containers.
3. The rule in Continuing Education is you
must be at least 25 feet away from any
building when you smoke.

(11)

IRREGULAR
VERB CHART

Present

Past

Participle Write a sentence

1. am/is/are was/were been

2. become
became
become

3. begin
began
begun

4. bite
bit
bitten

5. blow
blew
blown

6. break
broke
broken

7. bring
brought
brought

8. build
built
built

9. buy
bought
bought

10. catch
caught
caught

11. choose
chose
chosen

12. come
came
come

13. cost
cost
cost

14. cut
cut
cut

15. do
did
done
16. draw
drew
drawn

17. drink
drank
drunk

18. drive
drove
driven
19. eat

20. fall

ate

eaten

fell

fallen

21. feed

fed

fed

22. feel

felt

felt

(12)

Present

Past

Participle Write a sentence

23. fight

fought

fought

24. find

found

found

25. fit

fit

fit

26. fly
flew
flown

27. forget
forgot
forgotten

28. forgive
forgave
forgiven

29. freeze
froze
frozen

30. get
got
gotten

31. give
gave
given

32. go
went
gone

33. grow
grew
grown

34. hang
hung
hung

35. have
had
had

36. hear
heard
heard

37. hide
hid
hidden

38. hit
hit
hit

39. hold
held
held

40. hurt
hurt
hurt
41. keep
kept
kept

42. know
knew
known

43. lay
laid
laid
44. lead

led

led

(13)

IRREGULAR
VERB CHART

Present

Past

Participle Write a sentence

45. leave

left

left

46. lend

lent

lent

47. lie

lay

lain

48. lose

lost

lost

49. make

made

made

50. mean

meant

meant

51. meet
met
met

52. pay
paid
paid

53. read
read
read

54. ride
rode
ridden

55. ring
rang
rung

56. rise
rose
risen

57. run
ran
run

58. say
said
said

59. see
saw
seen

60. sell
sold
sold

61. send
sent
sent

62. shake
shook
shaken

63. show
showed
shown

64. shrink
shrank
shrunk

65. sing
sang
sung
66. sit
sat
sat

(14)

Present

Past

Participle Write a sentence

slept

slept

spoke

spoken

69. spend

70. stand

spent

spent

stood

stood

71. steal

stole

stolen

72. stick

stuck

stuck

73. sting

stung

stung

74. sweep

swept

swept

75. swim

swam

swum

67. sleep

68. speak

76. take
took
taken

77. tear
tore
torn

78. teach
taught
taught

79. tell
told
told

80. think
thought
thought

81. throw
threw
thrown

82. understand understood understood

83. wake
woke
woken

84. wear
wore
worn

85. win
won
won

86. write
wrote
written

87.


88.


(15)

Centre City Campus

619-388-4600
1400 Park Blvd.
San Diego CA 92101
Cesar Chavez Campus
619-230-2895
1960 National Ave.
San Diego CA 92113

Linda Vista
Presbyterian Church
858-874-4339
2130 Ulric Street
San Diego CA 92111

MIRAMAR
COLLEGE

West City Campus

619-388-1873
3249 Fordham Street
San Diego CA 92110

Educational Cultural
Complex Campus
619-388-4881
4343 Ocean View Blvd.
San Diego CA 92113

Clairemont location
619-388-1873
3890 Modoc Street
San Diego CA 92117

Mid-City Campus
619-388-4500
3792 Fairmount Ave.
San Diego CA 92105

City College
619-388-3400
1313 Park Blvd.
San Diego CA 92101

North City Campus

619-388-1800
8401 Aero Drive
San Diego CA 92123

Mesa College
619-388-2600
7250 Mesa College Drive
San Diego CA 92111

North City/Miramar
Campus location
619-388-7825
10440 Black Mtn. Road
San Diego, CA 92126

Miramar College
619-388-7800
10440 Black Mtn. Road
San Diego CA 92126

North City
Miramar Campus

52
I-15
West City
Clairemont
Campus

163

North City
Aero Drive
I-8

MESA COLLEGE
Linda Vista
location

Mid-City
West City

I-5
CITY COLLEGE

Cesar Chavez

Educational
Cultural Complex

I-805

COLLEGES
CONTINUING EDUCATION CAMPUSES

The ESL Student Guide was developed by the ESL Learner Persistence Committee.

ESL online resources

General
www.eslwithjim.com
Listening/Speaking
www.esl-lab.com
www.myefa.org
www.usalearns.org
http://tiny.cc/cmhRA

Reading
http://tiny.cc/XXGlR
http://www.elllo.org

Grammar
http://tiny.cc/HWoaM
http://tiny.cc/ccP7f

Writing
http://tiny.cc/MqF5h
http://tiny.cc/n4C5M

Citizenship
http://tiny.cc/uTv1v
EL Civics
http://tiny.cc/Os1Ne

www.sdce.edu/classes/esl/
ESL program information: eslinfo@sdccd.edu, 619-388-4512

San Diego Community College District

Administrative Offices
3375 Camino del Rio South
San Diego, California 92108-3883

94

Centre City

President, Continuing Education

Anthony E. Beebe, Ed.D.
Board Of Trustees
Mary Graham
Rich Grosch
Bill Schwandt
Maria Nieto Senour, Ph.D.
Peter Zschiesche
Chancellor, SDCCD
Constance M.Carroll, Ph.D.

The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) includes

San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego
Miramar College, and San Diego Continuing Education. The
SDCCD is governed by its Board of Trustees. No oral or written
representation is binding on the San Diego Community College
District without the express approval of the Board of Trustees.
SDCE Public Information Office (06/2010)