This needs assessment tool is designed to assist program coordinators or interested community members in rural communities with determining the need for ESL instruction. It walks the user through the necessary steps to find out • if there is a significant number of non-English speaking immigrants in the community • if the immigrants are receptive to ESL training • what type of training is most appropriate Conducting an ESL needs assessment is more complex than other types of needs assessments because the target group does not speak English and may not be reached through the usual means of communication (i.e. radio, television and newspaper). This tool outlines methods to overcome these obstacles and provides sample questionnaires, and interview and focus group questions. It also provides suggestions regarding choosing instructors and resources when starting an ESL program in a community.

Resource Details

Alberta Initiatives Gallery:	Yes
Areas of Focus:	Administration Assessment
Programs:	ESL Literacy
Format:	Documents
Produced by:	NorQuest College
Funded by:	Alberta Learning; Advanced Education and Technology; Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry
Author:	Dawn Seabrook de Vargas, Lorene Anderson
Publication year:	2004
Keywords:	needs assessment, rural communities
Contact:	Elena Chemaeva, 780-644-6703
Contact Email:	elena.chemaeva@norquest.ca
Added:	Nov. 13, 2012, 1:52 p.m.
Updated:	Nov. 13, 2012, 1:52 p.m.