ERIC Number: ED409750
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1996
Pages: 28
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Workplace Literacy: Developing and Implementing an ESL Curriculum for Limited English Proficient Poultry Workers.
Merlin, Shirley B.
The report describes the development and implementation of an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program for limited-English-proficient employees of the poultry industry. The program, undertaken at James Madison University (Virginia), was funded initially in 1991 by the federal government and has continued with funding from two poultry companies. In five years, it has served 267 workers. Curriculum focuses on job-specific workplace communication needs of this group, based on data gathered from supervisors, human resource managers, and employees. Different assessment and teaching materials were developed for the two companies' work situations and job requirements. Assessment tools and curriculum units were organized into these levels: basic (no English); two intermediate levels (limited English); and transitional (functional). The last level led to training for the General Educational Development Tests. Unit topics include general conversation, calendars, personal information, tools and machines, polite behavior, poultry-related vocabulary, information-seeking, problem solving, seeking clarification, work-related clothing, safety, giving and getting directions, completing forms, and at the transitional level, additional reading skills and basic math. The program continues at both companies. Assessment and learning plan forms and some instructional materials are appended. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)
Descriptors: Adult Education, Agricultural Laborers, English (Second Language), High School Equivalency Programs, Limited English Speaking, Literacy Education, Program Descriptions, Program Development, School Business Relationship, Second Language Instruction, Second Language Programs, Universities, Vocational English (Second Language), Workplace Literacy
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: General Educational Development Tests
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A