This handbook contains information to assist English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers and administrators in developing a course for pre- and semi-literate adults, testing, determining criteria for hiring ESL teachers, and training teachers. In the first section an outline is provided for teaching basic literacy (reading and writing) skills. The course is designed as a guideline for a class for pre- and semi-literate students prior to their integration into beginning ESL classes. A list of suggested vocabulary items is provided. The outline contains objectives and performance indicators for these types of activities: oral pre-literate, pre-reading, symbol identification, numbers, and oral language with written forms. An annotated bibliography of pre-literate materials is provided. The second section addresses teacher concerns regarding testing and includes an annotated bibliography of various ESL tests. Criteria for hiring ESL teachers are suggested in section 3. Professional competencies and personal qualities are discussed. A three-step interview process is recommended, and some questions for an oral interview are suggested. Designed to aid in training ESL teachers, section 4 presents teaching techniques for three areas: literacy skills, conversation skills, and grammar skills. (Bibliographies follow sections 3 and 4.) (YLB)