ENGLISH FOR THE AMERICAN WORKPLACE

The Refugee ESL Program consists of five levels. The program is derived from a semi-integrated, task-focused, CASAS-based curriculum with 72 instructional hours per 18-day session. In all levels students take the following classes: listening /speaking (with greater emphasis on listening in levels 1&2), reading/writing, and homeroom, a life- and work-skills focused course, in which all skills are integrated through the task-based approach.

Workplace and life skills themes provide the context and content for listening, speaking, reading & writing instruction. Students learn and practice skills and strategies that improve their ability to read, write, listen and speak for practical (life & work) purposes.Grammar is taught communicatively across all domains and levels, as is American English pronunciation. A unique job class in which students manage a boutique, snack bar, and DVD library provides on-the-job training.

Class times are from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

The TAP program is open to refugees and political asylees, parolees from Haiti and Cuba, and holders of Special Immigrant Visas (SIV's) and T-Visas residing in Prince George's and Montgomery counties only. Students must bring proof of refugee or asylee status. Caseworkers may register clients for classes by completing the online form, or by sending the client to the RTC main office located at Montgomery College, The Cafritz Arts Center, room 230, 930 King Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Clients must be registered for classes in advance.