Palomar College
Ramón C. Parada
Assessment/Placement:
Non-native speakers of English take the COMPASS assessment.
If a student has little or no English, he or she may be required to take four or five basic ESL classes before being
ready to enter the Academic ESL Program. Non-native speakers of English in the Academic ESL Program may
have to take two or three ESL classes before transferring to classes in the English Department.
Core Courses: The ESL program consists of Non-Credit & Credit Courses.
The non-credit courses are ESL 301, 302, and 303 and Beginning I, II, and III – the description reads: This
course offers instruction for beginners in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It is not taken for college credit.
Advanced material is not covered.
The credit courses begin with ESL 34, 35, and 36, Intermediate I, II, and III. They are 2-4 units of credit – the
description reads: Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for the non-native speaker of English. The course
includes intermediate proficiency levels.
The “academic” ESL courses are (all earn CSU/UC credit):
ESL 101
5 units
Written Communication I – transferable to CSU
ESL 102
5 units
Written Communication II - transferable to CSU & UC – UC Credit Limitations
ESL 103
5 units Written Communication III – transferable to CSU & UC -UC – ESL 102 and 103 combined
maximum credit, 8 units
The reading courses are (both earn CSU credit):
ESL 130
3 units Academic Reading 1 – The description says that the course is an introduction to reading
skills necessary for understanding academic writing.
ESL 131
3 units Academic Reading 2 - The description says the course teaches reading skills for
understanding the complex nature of the language and concepts presented in college
textbooks.
Other courses are (Non-degree Applicable):
ESL 9 3 units English Pronunciation I
ESL 10 3 units English Pronunciation II
ESL 15 3 units Grammar Skills for ESL Writers I
ESL 16 3 units Grammar Skills for ESL Writers II
ESL 20 3 units Academic Speaking for ESL
ESL 30.1
2 units Computer Literacy for ESL I
ESL 40 2 units Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing
A second set of special courses they have are their VESL courses – funded thru CTE Division & VATEA-see
hot link below – the description reads as follows:
Beginning level English as a Second Language instruction in preparation for a vocational program. They are elfpaced modules which provide an introduction to complementary language and academic skills necessary to
succeed in a vocational program. Includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and basic computer literacy skills.
The description says students may choose to focus their ESL studies in the fields of Auto Mechanics, Cosmetology,
Electronics, Graphic Communications, Heating, Air Conditioning, and refrigeration, and Office Systems.
ESL 98.1
ESL 98.2
ESL 98.3
1-4 units
1-4 units
1-4 units
Vocational ESL I -- VESL
Vocational ESL II
Vocational ESL III
Other:
 Palomar has 3 campuses.
 They have an ESL Student Showcase! They describe this as: “a way to enjoy student essays and
multimedia projects. Included are: Audio projects & Student Portfolios, both accessible & Multi-Media
projects, a Blog & Essays - all 3 are non-accessible.
 They feature Citizenship Classes offered thru their Community Education program
 They have a Faculty & Staff web page which is accessible, with a Blog, textbooks used, Dept. Mtg.
Minutes.
 I could not find if there is a Learning or Tutorial Center.
 It does not say whether the courses are repeatable.