Adult Basic Education ESL
ABE ESL ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Dear student,
Thank you for your interest in the Edmonds Community College ABE ESL Program. This page explains our program and our registration process. If you need more information after you read this, please come to the ABE ESL office in Mukilteo 304.
Additional Questions
1. What does ABE mean?
ABE means Adult Basic Education. ABE classes are partially funded by the federal government of the United States. The US government gives each state money to help pay for classes that teach basic skills such as reading, writing, math and English as a Second Language, so that adults can be productive workers, family members and citizens in US society.
2. Who can take ABE ESL classes?
Generally speaking, anyone who is over 18 and who is a refugee, immigrant, resident or citizen of the USA can take classes in our program. There are a few exceptions. We will explain those to you in person.
3. How can I register for classes?
To register for ESL classes in our department, you need to see an ESL advisor. Please contact the department office (Mukilteo 304) to find out when you can make an appointment to see an advisor. If registration is closed for the quarter, we will tell you when to contact us for the next quarter.
4. What happens when I am with an advisor?
We will need your undivided attention. Please don't bring your children, your family or your friends with you. If you need to bring a translator, please bring one translator only. If you can't stay for the entire time, you will have to come another day. Please don't use your cell phone in the advising or testing area.
After you check in, you will have to fill out forms. Have your address and phone number ready. Bring your glasses if you need them.
You will take a couple of tests. When you are finished, the advisor will review the tests with you, place you in an ESL level and discuss the schedule options with you. You will be asked to choose a class time. Make sure you choose a class time that works for you. It's not always easy to transfer to a different class later.
ABE ESL classes are not free. There is a $25.00 tuition charge. If you can't
pay the tuition, the advisor will give you information about a tuition waiver.
A waiver is a special permission not to pay the $25.00 quarterly tuition Edmonds
Community College charges for ESL classes. If you can't pay for the
classes, show the advisor one of these documents:
- QUEST Card (Food Stamp Debit Card); Washington State Medical Coupons; Basic Health Plan Card (such as Community Health Plan card); DSHS WorkFirst Individual Responsibility Plan; DSHS General Approval Cash/Food Letter; General Assistance Unemployment Notice; Employment Security Benefits Statement; HUD Housing Award Letter; WIC Coupon; Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) Award/Change Letter; SSI program notifications; or Free or reduced lunch documentation.
- The waiver is valid for one quarter. If you require a waiver for the next quarter, you have to apply again.
5. What tests do I have to take and what happens afterwards?
After the advisor places you in a class, you will take two other tests (that day or a different day depending on the situation): one llistening test and one reading test. These tests are part of CASAS, which is a system of tests used by the State of Washington and other states to find out how students are progressing in ABE classes. All ABE ESL students in the state of Washington take these tests.
You will receive your registration form and your tuition waiver (if you were given one). Go to "Enrollment Services" on the first floor of Lynnwood Hall so you can register for your class. You will be asked to pay $25.00 or submit your tuition waiver. When you register, you will receive a student schedule. If you do not pay your tuition by the due date printed on the schedule you get at the time you register, the college will drop you from the class.
6. What happens if I can't attend classes at the time I registered for?
If you can't attend your classes, contact the Division Office (425) 640-1478 or your teacher as soon as possible. If you need to change your class schedule due to a sudden change in work schedule or family circumstances, return to the ESL Office in Mukilteo 309 to ask how you can be transferred to another class. If you simply do not come to class, your name will be dropped from the roster and you will be back at the beginning of the registration process.
7. What happens to my tuition if I can't attend classes at all?
If you can't attend classes, you can do one of two things: a) go back to the Advising Office in Mukilteo 309 and ask to be dropped from the class; or b) go back to Enrollment Services and withdraw from the class. To withdraw from a class means to remove yourself from the class. When you withdraw from a class, you can ask for a refund of your $25.00. Pay attention to the withdrawal and refund deadlines. The information is available on the College's webpage, www.edcc.edu, or in Lynnwood Hall.
8. Is it necessary to return to the ESL Advising Office to register every quarter?
No. If you are a regular attending student, registration for the next quarter will happen in your classroom at the end of the quarter. However, if you stop attending or if you take some time off, you will have to go back to step one of the registration process.
We at ABE ESL hope that this information is helpful. We look forward to seeing
you and helping you with your registration.
