Welcome to Calhoun’s English as a Second Language Program (ESL). The English Language Acquisition program in the Adult Education Department at Calhoun Community College uses rigorous research and evidence based instruction to teach reading, writing, speaking, and listening at every level. The core texts used in each class have been developed by expert English educators who develop courses of study based on research and standards. Each teacher enhances the learning environment in his or her classroom by incorporating recommendations from the professional development conferences held by Alabama and Mississippi Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (AMTESOL) and Alabama Association for Public Continuing and Adult Education (ALAPCAE). We have adopted the same goal as that of the federal government in establishing the Common Core Standards – to prepare students for college and careers. Just as the Common Core is grounded in cognitive science and incorporates practices that have been proven to improve student learning and achievements (such as scaffolding, holding students to higher expectations, and incorporating latest research), our program is based on the expertise and recommendations of the leading professionals in the field of English education.
Training and Requirements
Calhoun’s English as a Second Language program is operated through Alabama’s post-secondary institutions out of the Adult Education Department. Clients admitted to the program must be adult education eligible (16 years of age and separated from the K-12 system) and be willing to take the TABE CLAS-E for proper class placement.
Orientation and Enrollment Testing
Orientation and Testing is offered in Huntsville and Decatur at the ESL class sites.
Centralized testing locations:
Calhoun Huntsville Campus, Adult Education Department
Sparkman Building (behind new building)
Contact: michael.bayne@calhoun.edu or call 256-713-4807 or 256-890-4793
Calhoun Decatur Campus, Adult Education Department
Bldg. #9, Room 117
Contact: michael.bayne@calhoun.edu or wendy.roberts@calhoun.edu or call 256-713-4807 or 256-890-4793
- Pre-registration for enrollment testing required – Register online or call for assistance.
- Limited space for each testing session, first come-first served based on pre-registration date – no walk-ins
- COVID prevention protocols, including masks, social distancing, and sanitation are required and enforced.
- Students must bring a government photo ID on testing day
- Testing and enrollment will take approximately 4 hours. There will be a short break.
- Students may be required to come back in for additional testing if their original test scores are not valid.
ESL Schedule
Flexible, accessible community class sites are offered both morning and night and are available in several locations in the GOAL service area.