300 Cherry Lane

Coalinga, CA 93210

(559) 934-2147,

cathybarabe@westhillscollege.com

The District serves a highly Hispanic, first generation U.S. community. Many residents

are primarily Spanish speaking yet desire to access community college education and

training. The goal of this practice is to assist students to gain enough English mastery to

mainstream into traditional community college classes. Each semester the college offers

morning and evening ESL classes that accept any level of proficiency. The instructor

works with small groups to teach the variable mastery levels. When not working with the

instructor, students have access to computerized ESL software that allows them to gain

proficiency in computer literacy and to reinforce their language acquisition skills.

One ESL teacher is responsible for the instruction and more advanced students work with

newcomers. The classroom is equipped desks and computers and a wide range of ESL

developmental software. Instruction includes traditional lecture format, small group

instruction, or two students may share a computer. Each semester the students are

encouraged to purchase a Spanish-English dictionary and a moderately priced textbook.

To market the classes, the instructor visits the local Adult school program to recruit

students, and also works with the international student programs on campus. Referrals

primarily come by word of mouth from the students who are successfully taking or have

completed the ESL classes.

Within three to four semesters, students are prepared to enroll in basic classes offered by

the college.