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PRESS RELEASE

Rio Salado College Reaches Out to English Language Learners
Online and hybrid credit ESL courses now available

Rio Salado College is reaching out to members of the community who need to improve their English reading and writing skills. By offering ESL instruction online, the college hopes to open a door of opportunity to the many individuals who have the desire to learn or improve their English but cannot access the traditional classroom setting.

On-line courses start every two weeks, and hybrid courses begin in Surprise on Aug. 21 and in Paradise Valley on Sept. 4. The college offers a variety of online and hybrid courses ranging from basic to advanced levels.

For years, ESL courses have required students to attend class in-person to improve their ability to speak, read, and write English. In today’s world with unique, interactive, and engaging software, students learning English can benefit from the Rio e-learning model as well. Rio faculty with expertise in ESL instruction have designed these courses which cater specifically to the ESL population. The courses, which build on prior knowledge as students move through the lessons, are filled with engaging activities, games, quizzes, oral and writing assignments.

Rio Salado College English Faculty Chair, Betsy Frank wholeheartedly believes that there are many people living in the valley who need English skills, yet they cannot access a college campus. She has worked with ESL students from all over the world for more than 20 years.

“There are potentially thousands of adults who would love to learn English; however, they work full time, care for children at home, or lack transportation,” she said. “Through online learning, we bring the class directly to them. This convenience not only empowers the student to access the course at anytime or anywhere, but it also turns a dream into a reality for many people.”

As long as students have access to a computer, they can complete the course. If they do not have access to a computer, Rio Salado College has open computer labs in Sun City, Tempe, Paradise Valley, and Mesa. These free computer labs are open in the evenings and on weekends.

Tuition payment plans are available; however, before students can register for any of the ESL courses, they must take the Combined English Language Skills Assessment (CELSA). The CELSA is free and places students into the appropriate level of English.

Rio Salado College is the largest of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges. For more information about the online program or courses, please call 480.517.8249.

Rio Salado College, Institutional Advancement

EJ Anderson
(480) 517-8472
ej.anderson@riomail.maricopa.edu

Linda Bird
(480) 517-8462
linda.bird@riomail.maricopa.edu