by Lindsay Morrison, Program Administrator
Fall has brought volunteer instructors (8 weekly plus 4 substitutes) and 32 adult learners to our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. Three new volunteers and nineteen new immigrants joined us for the first time.
All adult learners’ language levels were assessed thanks to the assessment tool created via a First Literacy grant. This grant also allowed for the development of lesson plans centered on learners’ needs, such as using public transit in Boston, coping with stress, workers’ rights, finding affordable housing, and learning about important places in our Roslindale neighborhood. On November 1, we presented the assessment tool and new lessons at First Literacy’s “Spotlight On Innovation In Adult Basic Education.” Click here for our blog post on the First Literacy Grant.
An assessment tool enables learners to be sorted into learning groups specific to their needs. Thirteen returning learners continue to take lessons at Casserly House, many progressing into more challenging lessons as indicated by their assessment. One of last year’s learners was accepted into an intensive training program for the Certified Nursing Assistant Certification! This young woman called us with excitement and gratitude to announce her acceptance. “I’m so happy! Thank you, thank you so much!”
As she and other neighbors enter new seasons of life, Casserly House continues to respond to those knocking on our door with openness—openness to learning, connecting, and sharing.
Pictured above: our new Ignatian volunteers are off to a great start instructing basic and level 1 classes two mornings per week! Click here for more info on welcoming Tim and Marnie…
Last year, pictured with her sister Jaelle, Stephania (in background) progressed in her English proficiency at Casserly House and now participates in a Certified Nursing Assistant Training!
Stephania was in this level 2 class last year! It will be gratifying to see how these learners apply their progressing English proficiency for the benefit of themselves and their families.