The English Language Acquisition (ELA) program at CBC offers English language instruction to non-native English speaking residents of Benton and Franklin counties. Courses help students to develop or improve their English language skills and awareness of American culture from basic literacy to an advanced level. Instruction focuses on developing language and communication skills through an integration of academic, interpersonal, and problem-solving activities. ELA courses coded below 090 cannot be taken for credit and are non-transferable.
The ELA program follows a set of competencies (language skills) designed and approved for Washington ELA programs. Varying levels of instruction are offered for students ranging from those entering with no prior English experience to those almost ready for a college-level English course (level six). Instruction focuses on developing language skills organized around an integrated sequence of academic, interpersonal, and problem-solving activities. Students progressing beyond level six English are encouraged to continue their studies in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program.
Cost
All regular ELA classes are offered for a tuition charge of $25 per quarter to residents of Benton and Franklin counties. Please note that the $25 tuition charge is per quarter, not per class. Eligible students may receive a tuition waiver.
Class Schedule
ELA classes are scheduled mornings, afternoons, and evenings at the Pasco campus. At other locations, classes are offered mornings and/or evenings. Classes generally meet four days per week - Monday through Thursday. Many off-campus classes are tied to the agricultural cycles in the area and begin in late October and end in early spring.