The Adult Basic Education (ABE) English as a Second Language (ESL) program offers non-credit courses in ESL. The goal of these courses is to help adult students improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. A range of leveled courses is available from Beginning level to Advanced level. Other courses that the program offers are Integrated (multi-level) courses and Citizenship. Tutoring, study groups and computer-aided instruction are also available. ESL classes are non-credit courses; students completing this program can transition to credit courses through the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program.
Primary course location: Main Campus; courses are also offered at Montoya, Westside, and South Valley Campuses.
Special requirements:
Students registering for ESL classes are required to successfully complete an orientation and take the CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System) test to determine the appropriate course level. The CASAS test takes approximately two hours to complete. The test is administered again periodically to assess student progress.
Adult Basic Education ESL students do not follow the procedures outlined in this catalog for admission and registration. Interested students should contact the Adult Basic Education program office at Main Campus for information on how to enroll.
Cost and Financial Aid
ESL courses are non-credit and as such are not financial aid eligible. However, these courses are tuition-free.
What is the approximate cost of this educational option?
Tuition: There is a $10 registration fee, but there is no tuition for these courses
Other: Textbooks for this program are provided at no cost to the student.
Students who are enrolled only in ESL courses receive the same services as other CNM students (for example, library access), but are not eligible for financial aid. Also, students registering for ESL classes do not follow the procedures outlined in this catalog for admission and registration. Interested students should contact the School of Adult & General Education for more information.
Career and Educational Opportunities
English as a Second Language (ESL) courses prepare students for higher education, job advancement, or personal fulfillment.
These courses are not transferable and there is no certification in ESL. However, students who complete the ESL program can transition to CNM credit courses through the ESOL program (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Early Childhood Multicultural Education or Nursing Assistant certificates are available to ESL students who complete the career pathway.
Students who complete the career pathway in Early Childhood Multicultural Education or Nursing Assistant are eligible to take state licensing exams that can lead to employment in those fields.
Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses
Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Course Options
Course placement and order based on CASAS test results.
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