English as a Second Language
The mission of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at Cochise College is to provide students with high-quality language instruction and cultural skills necessary for success in their academic, professional, civic, and personal lives. In ESL courses, students develop speaking, listening, reading, grammar, and writing skills that enable them to transition to remedial and regular academic programs at the college. ESL Levels I, II, and III consist of skill-building courses which prepare students for the transition into developmental coursework. ESL I courses are prerequisite to ESL II courses, ESL II courses are prerequisites to ESL III courses, and ESL III courses are prerequisite to ESL IV courses. ESL Level IV consists of additional ESL support courses along with developmental courses in English (ENG) and reading (RDG), or college-level courses in ENG and RDG, appropriate to the individual student. Students in Level IV may also enroll in any course which pertains to their degree plan and for which they meet the established prerequisite.
Level III students may choose to participate in a test-out during Week 13 of the semester. The test-out will determine whether they are ready to transition to college level courses, or whether they need to remain in ESL courses and register for ESL Level IV in the subsequent semester. Transitioning to college level courses is not an option if the student chooses not to participate in the test-out and registration in Level IV classes will be required.
Upon completion of ESL and developmental coursework, students are prepared to advance into the academic courses of their choice.