Classes, other resources for English learners in the Capital District

Here’s a list of resources compiled by Jeanne Finley in November and December 2017 and shared, not just with her permission, but with her encouragement.

The terminology used here: ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages); ESL (English as a Second Language). Very recently, the term ENL, for English as a New Language, has been used, primarily because some English language learners (ELLs) are picking up a third or fourth language.

Please comment regarding updates, changes or corrections.

*Some classes may require registration in advance. Call for details.

Classes: Albany area/Albany County

– Albany: Adults
Albany Public Library, Washington Avenue branch, 161 Washington Avenue
Sponsored by Literacy NY Greater Capital Region, (518) 452-3381, www.literacynycap.org
Christina Darling, Program Coordinator, (518) 631-2926.
ESOL, beginning, intermediate. Free.

– Albany: Adults
Albany Public Library, Pine Hills branch, 517 Western Avenue
Sponsored by Literacy NY Greater Capital Region, (518) 452-3381,
www.literacynycap.org and Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/
ESOL, intermediate, multi-level. Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.–12 noon. Must register for orientation session. Free.

– Albany: Adults
Albany Public Library, Delaware Avenue branch, 331 Delaware Avenue
Sponsored by Literacy NY Greater Capital Region, (518) 452-3381,
(518) 463-0254 (ESL), www.literacynycap.org
ESOL, beginning, intermediate. Tuesday and Thursday, mornings and afternoons. Call to register. Free.

– Albany: Adults
Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School, Building A, 1015 Watervliet-Shaker Road
Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/
ESOL, multi-level. Monday and Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.

– Albany: Adults
Albany Medical Center, 22 New Scotland Avenue
Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/
ESOL, multi-level. Tuesday through Thursday, 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.

– Albany: Adults
Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 57 Hurlbut Street
Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/
ESOL, multi-level. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.

– Albany: Adults
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 475 State Street
Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/
ESOL, multi-level. Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.

– Albany: Adults
Albany Literacy Zone, Trinity Alliance, Capital South Campus Center, 20 Warren Street
(518) 449-5155, http://www.trinityalliancealbany.org/literacy-zone/
Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/
Shannon Cornwall, (518) 694-4533 or Maria Huntington, (518) 694-4567.
ESL classes ongoing. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.–12 noon. Must register for orientation session. Free.

– Albany: Adults
Trinity Alliance, 15 Trinity Place
Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/
ESL classes ongoing. Mondays through Wednesdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.

– Albany: Adults and children ages 5-13
RISSE (Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus), 240 West Lawrence Street
(518) 621-1041, (518) 567-4354, (518) 505-1737
www.risse-albany.org
Adults: ESL Group Instruction, September–June: Monday–Friday, 12 p.m.– 6 p.m.
July & August: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Levels 1, 2, and 3. Must register for orientation session. Free.
Children ages 5-13: New York State Licensed ESL After-School program, September–June: 2:30 p.m.–6 p.m.
Call for appointment.
Children ages 5-13: New York State Licensed ESL Summer School Program, July & August, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Call for appointment.

– Albany: Adults
USCRI (United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants), 991 Broadway, Suite 223
Martha Butler, Program Coordinator, Office for New Americans, (518) 459-1790 (extension 8008), www.RefugeesAlbany.org
Beginner classes. Next enrollment period December 18, 2017 – January 10, 2018, for classes starting week of January 8. Classes 3-4 days per week, 4 p.m. –7 p.m.
Pre-test required; call for appointment. Free.

– Albany: Children pre-Kindergarten–Grade 5 in Albany City School District
Delaware Community School, 43 Bertha Street
(518) 475-6750,
http://www.albanyschools.org/Academics/Dual-Language/DualLang.html
Dual Language Program, Spanish-English only. Child must be registered in district.

– Albany: Children grades 6–12, refugees and immigrants in Albany City School District
Albany International Center, North Albany Academy, 570 North Pearl Street
(518) 475-6900,
http://www.albanyschools.org/Academics/ENL-Refugee/AIC/AIC.html
Rachel Stead, Principal, rstead@albany.k12.ny.us
Lily Htoo, Home School Coordinator, lhtoo@albany.k12.ny.us
Serves about 175 refugee and immigrant students from throughout the City School District of Albany who are in the early stages of learning English and will benefit from targeted instruction and support in all subjects. Students spend an average of two years in the program before returning to their middle school or Albany High School. Child must be registered in district.

– Albany: Adults and children
Empire State English, 24 Aviation Road, Suite 100
(518) 729-5407, http://esenglish.org
English language programs for adults: Kim Andersen, President, Eileen Lee, Academic Director
English language programs for children: Elizabeth Suparmanto, Registrar
ESL and part-time classes. COST: see website
Sister program, Capital Region Language Center, offers English language instruction for children, http://esenglish.org/other-programs/
Troy location coming January 2018

– Albany: Adults
Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) of Hudson Valley Community College, 30 North Russell Road, 2nd Floor, Albany
(518) 273-1900, http://www.hvcc.edu/eoc/programs.html#ESL
ESL, three levels. The ESL programs allow students with limited English proficiency the opportunity to master speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English.
Apply online: http://www.hvcc.edu/eoc/
Must complete assessment. Free to qualified applicants.
ALSO LOCATED IN TROY at 431 River Street.

– Albany: Adults
Masjid As-Salam, 276 Central Avenue
(518) 463-6275, http://www.masjidassalam.org/Pages/default.aspx
English class, Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 noon
Classes held at 280 Central Avenue. Call first. Free.

– Guilderland: Adults
Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Avenue
Sponsored by Literacy NY Greater Capital Region, (518) 452-3381, www.literacynycap.org
ESOL, advanced. Free.

– Latham: Adults
Al-Hidaya Center, 322 Troy Schenectady Road
(518) 608-1255, http://al-hidaya.org
English class, Monday–Friday, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Call first. Free.

– Watervliet: Adults
Watervliet Library, 1501 Broadway, #1
Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/
ESOL, multi-level. Tuesday and Thursday, 12 noon–3 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.

Classes: Troy area/Rensselaer County

– East Greenbush: Adults
East Greenbush Community Library, 10 Community Way
Sponsored by Questar III, (518) 479-6838
https://www.questar.org/education/adult-education-and-workforce-development/literacy-programs/
Adult ESOL classes and assessment: John Parker, John.Parker@questar.org
ESOL, mixed levels, Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.¬–12.30 p.m.
Requires assessment beforehand, with $35 fee, can be waived, otherwise free.

– Troy: Adults
Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) of Hudson Valley Community College,
431 River Street
(518) 273-1900, http://www.hvcc.edu/eoc/programs.html#ESL
ESL, three levels. The ESL programs allow students with limited English proficiency the opportunity to master speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English.
Apply online: http://www.hvcc.edu/eoc/
Must complete assessment. Free to qualified applicants.
ALSO LOCATED IN ALBANY: 30 North Russell Road, 2nd Floor

– Troy: Adults
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County Inc., 65 First Street
(518) 244-4650, http://www.lvorc.org/sample-page/programsservices/
One-to-one and small group tutoring. 2 hours per week. Free.
To sign up: http://www.lvorc.org/contact/

– Troy: Adults
YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc., 21 First Street
Sponsored by Questar III, (518) 479-6838,
https://www.questar.org/education/adult-education-and-workforce-development/literacy-programs/
Adult ESOL classes and assessment: John Parker, John.Parker@questar.org
ESOL, mixed levels, Monday and Wednesday, 5:30 a.m. ¬– 8:30 a.m.
Requires assessment beforehand, with $35 fee, can be waived, otherwise free.

Classes: Schenectady area/Schenectady County

– Schenectady: Adults
Schenectady Public Library, main branch, 99 Clinton Street
Sponsored by Literacy NY Greater Capital Region, (518) 452-3381, www.literacynycap.org
Christine Katchmar, Program Coordinator, (518) 452-3382
ESL, intermediate tutoring. Free.

– Schenectady: Adult
Washington Irving Adult and Continuing Education Center, 422 Mumford Street
(518) 370-8220
 or (518) 370-8230,
http://wiec.schenectady.k12.ny.us/adult_education/classes/english_as_a_second_language
ESL: Monday¬–Friday, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Must register. Free

– Schenectady: Adults
Phyllis Bornt Branch Library and Literacy Center (ESL), 948 State Street
Sponsored by Washington Irving Adult and Continuing Education Center
(518) 370-8220 or (518) 370-8230
http://wiec.schenectady.k12.ny.us/adult_education/classes/english_as_a_second_language
ESL: Monday and Wednesday, 5–8 p.m. Free

Courses for College-Age Students

– Intensive English Language Program, University at Albany
Center for International Education and Global Strategy
Science Library G 40
The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is designed for international students who want to improve their English language skills. After successfully completing the IELP, many students enter one of UAlbany’s degree programs.
(518) 591-8172, e-mail: IELP@albany.edu
http://www.albany.edu/ielp/
COST: see website, http://www.albany.edu/ielp/About_the_Program.php

Classes offered in 8-week sessions. There are five 8-week sessions offered throughout the year. Students take a placement test and enroll in the number of sessions necessary to achieve their desired English language level. There are seven levels of English offered, from basic to university-ready advanced. 8-week sessions are offered 5 times per year in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Apply at least one month before the start of a new session.
The IELP also offers 4-week sessions throughout the year, with shorter courses. 4-week sessions are offered 10 times per year in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Apply at least one month before the start of a new session.
Full-time students study 20 hours per week. Part-time students can choose to study 4–16 hours per week.

– English as a Second Language (ESL) and ESL Advisement, Hudson Valley Community College (Troy)
http://www.hvcc.edu/departments/las/efl/esl.html
HVCC is one of only a few accredited schools of higher education to offer credit-bearing English composition classes to non-native speakers. In addition, the school provides classes for those who need basic communication skills, as well as for those who are interested in perfecting their English.
Contact the English as a Second Language Advisement Office:
Advisor: Noah Kucij,
 e-mail: n.kucij@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7393
Fridays, 11 a.m.–noon and by appointment
COST: see website, http://www.hvcc.edu/catalog/tuition/index.html
International students application: http://www.hvcc.edu/admissions/forms/admintl_app.pdf

Websites, Videos, and Home Study Resources

Websites (for Adults)

USA Learns: https://www.usalearns.org
Dave’s ESL Café: http://forums.eslcafe.com/student/viewforum.php?f=22
English Club: https://www.englishclub.com/learn-english.htm
Many Things: http://www.manythings.org
Learn English Today: http://www.learn-english-today.com
English Page: https://www.englishpage.com
Lots of English: https://lotsofenglish.com
LINCS Learner Center: https://learner.lincs.ed.gov/resources/english
Voice of America English News: https://learningenglish.voanews.com
Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab: http://www.esl-lab.com
Sounds of English: https://www.soundsofenglish.org
ESLGold: http://eslgold.com
ESL Lounge: http://www.esl-lounge.com
One Stop English (for beginners): http://www.onestopenglish.com/esol/absolute-beginners/
English Language Civics for ESL Students : http://elcivics.com/worksheets/esl-worksheets.html

Websites (for children)
Student Guide: http://www.studentguide.org/the-50-best-esl-resources-for-kids/

Videos
Fast Forward, http://www.fastforwardny.org/xrdc/
We Are New York: http://www.nyc.gov/html/weareny/html/episodes/episodes.shtml
A selection of YouTube videos on learning English: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+lessons+in+english&qpvt=youtube+lessons+in+English&FORM=VDRE
A selection of YouTube videos on basic English conversation for beginners: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Basic+English+Conversation+for+Beginners&FORM=RESTAB

Home Study
– Schenectady: Washington Irving Adult and Continuing Education Center, 422 Mumford Street
(518) 370-8220
or (518) 370-8230, http://wiec.schenectady.k12.ny.us/adult_education/classes/english_as_a_second_language
ESL Study at Home program, Monday, 12:30 p.m.– 2:30 p.m. Must register. Free.

– Schenectady: Steinmetz Home Family Investment Center, 120 Emmons Street
(518) 370-8220
http://schenectadywiec.ss12.sharpschool.com/cms/One.aspx
ESL Study at Home program, Thursday, 12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Must register.
Free.

– Through Capital Region BOCES: The English as a New Language (ENL) Home Study program provides an excellent opportunity for non-native English speakers to gain a better understanding of our language and culture. The program, which concentrates on reading comprehension and writing skills, is beneficial for students who have progressed beyond basic levels of ENL. Individualized packets of instruction are delivered to the library nearest to a student’s home every two weeks, for him or her to pick up and complete. The program is free for students age 21 and older.
For information and to register, call (518) 862-4707
Application required first: http://www.capitalregionboces.org/CareerTech/AdultEd/PDFs/Application%20EEPfor2017.1.pdf

– Oxford Picture Dictionary and its related workbooks:
Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: Monolingual Dictionary, Reprint Edition by Jayme Adelson-Goldstein and Norma Shapiro

You can buy this online at Amazon.com or order it through a bookstore. There are additional workbooks, which are for all levels of people learning English:

Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: Low-Beginning Workbook, Workbook Edition by Jane Spigarelli

Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: Low-Intermediate Workbook, Workbook Edition by Marjorie Fuchs and Margaret Bonner

Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: High-Beginning Workbook, Workbook Edition by Marjorie Fuchs