English-as-a-Second Language (ESL)

English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) is an important component to many colleges and universities, particularly community colleges in urban settings. ESL courses enable students to bridge many of the barriers they may face in day-to-day living, in the work place, or when pursuing higher levels of academic learning.


Maximize use of learning labs by using as listening labs for ESL students

Offer ESL telecourses, supplemented with reduced classroom and lab time

Offer more “bridge” or transitional classes which funnel ESL students into credit courses

Streamline non-credit ESL programs (move students through faster)

Make “Accent Reduction” course fee-supported for ESL students

Track success rates of ESL students into regular credit courses

Track success rates of ESL students in Basic Skills classes into regular credit courses

Place students in ESL courses according to their level of performance and educational goals

Offer contract education courses in workplace literacy through ESL programs

To have ideas is to gather flowers; to think is to weave them into garlands.
- Madame Swetchine


KH Consulting Group (KH) started this Know-How site in 2009 to create a forum for sharing ideas on effectively enhancing revenues and containing costs in higher education in the near and longer term.

KH has posted more than 500 ideas. You can join the forum at:
http://knowhow-education.blogspot.com/

Note: The ideas shared are not prescriptive and will not work in all situations or at all institutions. Some of the ideas are tactical – quick victories to save money in easy ways. Others are strategic, requiring careful analysis before implementing.