LYNN — KIPP Massachusetts concluded its year-round English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes for adults.
With 30 students completing their ESOL classes successfully on May 30, Julielys Ortiz-Leger, the family and community engagement manager for KIPP Massachusetts in Lynn, is very happy with this year’s outcome. Ortiz-Leger is excited to plan for the 2023-24 school year.
“Our students reported feeling confident in their English skills and feeling like they would be able to have success outside of the program,” Ortiz-Leger said.
“KIPP Massachusetts is embedded in the communities we work with, where we co-author with our families to best support our students,” Ortiz-Leger added. “We believe every student walks through the doors of the school bearing gifts. Talent, perspective, drive, inspiration. So, at KIPP Public Schools, we support every student to see those gifts, then build the skills and confidence they need to pursue their highest aspirations.”
The ESOL classes are free of charge for members of the Lynn community and are offered from the introductory level to level four, which is for more advanced English. During the application process, students are given a test to ensure they are being placed in the appropriate levels for them.
The biggest challenge ESOL students face is being able to come to the classes, Ortiz-Leger said. Many students have work-related or family-related obligations that prevent them from attending.
“This program is geared to adults only. Our instructors do a great job at tracking their progress through the year through various assessments, homework, and presentations,” Ortiz-Leger said. “In order to be placed in their corresponding ESOL level, each applicant must complete an assessment. At the end of the year, they are given the same assessment to measure growth.”
Ortiz-Leger said that based on feedback provided by previous ESOL students, they enjoy how attentive teachers are in the program.
Just one year into her role in Lynn, Ortiz-Leger has no plans on making any changes to the program.
“I was trained to structure the program exactly how it was previously,” Ortiz-Leger said. “The same structure is kept because it is successful, and it has continued to work.”
Part of Ortiz-Leger’s role includes managing the evening family and community-learning programs at the KIPP school in Lynn.
“I love being able to connect with not just KIPP families, but also community members in Lynn,” Ortiz-Leger said.
On previous occasions, Ortiz-Leger said KIPP alumni have taught levels of the school’s classes for a few years.
“I am very happy with the outcome of the classes this year. I am excited to plan for next year and to be able to improve the program and make it the best it’s been,” Ortiz-Leger said.
For the next school year, free in-person ESOL classes will be offered from October 2023 through May 2024 every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. For questions or to register for the classes, contact Ortiz-Leger at [email protected] or call 781-921-8617.
