Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Read and write basic English.
2. Use simple written English to communicate as family members, community members, workers, and United States residents.

Oral Communications

• Answer Wh-questions using prompts such as pictures
• Exchange information in groups
• Dictate numbers, letters and words to others
• Ask for clarification: use phrases and ask questions to express lack of understanding

Reading

• Use reading strategies (skim, scan, context, prediction, sequencing, categorizing)
• Recognize words from personal information forms
• Recognize and respond correctly to common sight words
• Recognize common signs and symbols
• Read simple sentences and questions
• Read clocks, calendars, simplified maps and schedules

Written Communication

• Alphabetize
• Copy or write individual letters, numbers and sight words dictated by another
• Write numbers in context
• Write legibly (form letters, left to right orientation, word spacing, staying on the line)
• Write personal information in correct location on simple forms
• Write sight words, simple sentences and phrases using basic grammar (the verb “be” in present tense, simple present, yes/no and Wh-questions) in context
• Use punctuation (period, question mark, and apostrophes for contractions)

Phonics

• Recognize and apply sound - symbol correspondence

Technology

• Use writing tools (pen, pencil, paper, etc.)
• Use mouse, keyboard
• Scroll, click, double click

Performance tasks used at this level may include:

• Complete a written form supplying basic personal information.
• Interview a classmate asking personal information questions and record information on a form or matrix. Write simple sentences based on the information.
• Read a simplified illustrate short story and indicate “yes” or “no” to associated comprehension questions.
• Put simple sentences or a story (in pictures, numbers, and/or words) in sequence.
• On a simplified map, draw the route from point A to point B, following written direction
• Create a collage which represents a topic or phonic sound (e.g. words that begin with the hard /g/ sound)

Concepts Themes and Issues:

Written language

Language structure

Cultural awareness

Classroom expectations

Pair/Group work

Personal information

Roles

Empowerment

Personal identity

Critical Thinking

Self-evaluation

Numeracy

Contextual awareness

Communicative Competence

Grammaticalcompetence

Negotiate meaning

Linking written words or signs with abstract concepts

Phonics, sound - symbol correspondence

Sight word reading and writing

Left-right orientation

Top down

Listeningcomprehension

Communication

Literacy

Self-confidence

US education style

Multicultural classroom

Studying

Identification of self as part of a literate community

Technology

Assessment outcomes include the ability to:

·         Complete personal information portion of simple forms

·         Read simple printed information and common signs and symbols

·         Follow simple written directions

·         Recognize and write letters, common sight words and numbers (i.e. time, money, phone numbers, ID numbers, etc.) to meet daily needs.

·         Convey personal information in writing

·         Use a limited number of expressions to write answers and make simple statements in role contexts

·         Ask for clarification