Tests - BE4 & above

Basic English 4 - Reading test: 3.5 or above
Basic English 5 - Reading test: 5.0 or above

Basic Writing 1 - Language test: 4.5 or above
Basic Writing 2 - Language test: 5.5 or above

Basic Reading 1 - Reading test: 4.5 or above
Basic Reading 2 - Reading test: 5.5 or above

More Basic English course descriptions

These courses can be taken alone or with the core Basic English series.

Basic Communication 1
This course focuses on correct pronunciation, basic conversation and building of vocabulary. There is no prerequisite.

Basic Communication 2
In this class, students will continue to improve their vocabulary, pronunciation and conversation skills through guided discussions of various topics of interest. There is no prerequisite.

Basic Writing 1
This course will help students improve their writing skills with a variety of sentence types, using pre-writing techniques, good grammar, proper sentence structure and correct pronunciation. Students in this class should be at least at the level of Basic English 5.

Basic Writing 2
This course helps students who complete Basic Writing 1 to continue the improvement of their writing skills. Students in this class should have completed Basic Writing 1.

Basic Reading 1
This course helps students improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and reading speed. Students in this class should be at least at the level of Basic English 4.

Basic Reading 2
This course helps students who complete Basic Reading 1 to continue the improvement of their reading skills. Students in this class should have completed Basic Reading 1.

Introduction to Computers for ESL Speakers
In this course, studens who are unfamiliar with computers can learn the basics of using a computer, including using a word processor, saving and printing documents, entering data on a spreadsheet, using e-mail and finding information on the Internet.

Classroom changes

I have learned that some instructors are moving their classes into computer labs where they are not scheduled to be. If you need to use a computer lab for a day (or more), let me know a day or so ahead of time so we can make a room request through the proper procedure. Only in this way can we capture the room usage and ensure that the room is not going to be used by someone else that day.

Focus on Grammar resources

There are (free!) resources available for instructors and students who use the Focus on Grammar text. Just go to the following web address and click on the links for Teacher Resources or Student Resources at the left.

http://www.pearsonlongman.com/ae/fog_level2/index.html

Photocopies!

As you know, I have frequently asked instructors to plan their copying so that we can send copy requests to Duplication instead of using the walk-up copier (which costs more). Unfortunately, we were significantly over budget for Duplication in this last fiscal year, and steps need to be taken to control expenses so we don’t have the same situation this year. There are times when copies are needed; however, we need to limit the cost as much as possible.

Beginning now, instructors should bring me all their copy requests. I have asked for the copy codes to be changed for Basic English and our projects. As soon as they are changed, only Kimberly and I will have the code. This will remain the case until more restrained habits are established for Duplication.

On-campus instructors: I suggest making more use of the classroom computers and overhead projectors for exercises whenever possible, instead of photocopying worksheets. This will save paper and costs.

Basic English Policies and Procedures

UPDATED 10/8/10

1. ATTENDANCE. Success in class depends on regular attendance. Your teacher keeps a record of your attendance in the class. § If you must be absent from class, you should let your teacher know why you were not in class. Try to bring some document to your teacher to show why you were absent. For example, if you were sick, bring a note from your doctor.
If you must leave class early, tell your teacher before the class starts that you will need to leave before the end of the class that day. It is not polite to just get up and walk out of the class.

2. RESPECT. It is very important for the instructor and the students to show respect for each other.
§ Be sure to dress appropriately for class. If you have questions about what is appropriate, ask your teacher.
§ Show respect for your teacher and other students through your actions and your language. Don’t interrupt other students, and do not speak while the teacher is talking to the class.
§ Please turn off cell phones and pagers while you are in class.
3. FEES for the course must be paid. If your fees are not paid, you may not continue to attend the class.
§ Also, you are responsible for buying your own books, unless the books have already been paid for through some other source.
§ You are responsible for buying your own notebooks, pencils, folders, etc., to use in the course.
4. You will have a TEST at the end of the course. This will determine whether or not you go to the next level of Basic English.
5. SEVERE WEATHER POLICY. In the event of severe weather which could force the College to close or to cancel classes, such information will be broadcast on radio and television stations. Students who reside in areas which fall under a Level 3 emergency should not attempt to drive to school even if the College remains open. Assignments due on the day the college is closed will be due the next scheduled class period. If an examination is scheduled for a day the campus is closed, the examination will be given on the next class day.
Students who miss a class because of weather-related problems, when the class is held as scheduled, are responsible for readings and other activities as assigned. It is a student’s responsibility to keep up with readings and other assignments when a scheduled class does not meet, whatever the reason.
6. CHILDREN. Columbus State Community College policy does not allow children in classrooms, computer labs or student lounges. In offices or hallways, children must be attended at all times. Please do not bring your children to class. Your instructor will ask you to leave if you bring children to the classroom.
7. REFUNDS. If you decide to drop this class and require a refund, please note the following policy:
You will receive …
• If you drop the class before it starts … 100% of the course fee.
• If you drop before the end of the second
week of class … 100% of the course fee.
• If you drop after the end of the second
week of class … 0% of the course fee.
To drop a class, you MUST go to the Non-Credit Registration Office (Room 1090) and complete a Drop form. If you do not complete the form before the deadline, you will not be eligible for a refund.
8. CHANGING SECTIONS. If you want to change to another Basic English class, you must go to the Non-Credit Registration Office (Room 1090) and complete a Change form. Changes must be made by the second week of class. After the end of the second week, you cannot change sections without a documented reason.

9. The Columbus State Student Handbook gives detailed information on all your rights and responsibilities as a Columbus State student. You can pick up a copy of the Handbook in the Central Registration Office (Room 1090) or read it online.
10. If you have any QUESTIONS, PROBLEMS or COMPLAINTS, please contact either of the following:
• Your instructor
• The Non-Credit Registration Office
Center for Workforce Development (WD)
Room 1090

What is a "completed" time card?

A completed time card is one that has ALL the necessary information on it -- including your name, CougarID or SSN, full account number, pay rate, total pay, and your signature.

Incomplete time cards will be returned to you for correction; if this happens, your pay might be delayed.

How to submit your time.

As you know, in order to be paid, you must submit the hours worked. There are two ways to do this.

• Basic English instructors submit their time electronically, through CougarWeb. If you have not done this before, let me know and I’ll show you how.

• Instructors paid by contracts or grants need to fill out time cards.

Some of you work both as Basic English instructors and as instructors on contract/grant-funded projects and will therefore need to enter your project-paid time on time cards and your Basic English time electronically.

The following is the for Summer quarter of how each person should submit his/her time. Please review this carefully so you will submit your time correctly. Incorrect time submission can lead to delays in getting paid. Also, please note: There are some new project account codes that must be used.

More websites

LANGUAGE WEBSITES

englishclub.com

spellorg.com

OhioABLE.org

wordchamp.com

RSCC Online Writing Lab / OWL — Writing guides

www.sa.sdsu.edu/htcUDWTQuestionsA.pdf

ProZ.com

Chalk & Talk

http://www.press.umich.edu/esl/examsuccess.jsp