English Language Learning (ELL)

About English Language Learning (ELL)

If you want to improve your English to become a more confident employee and community member, this program can accommodate you in day or evening English Language Learning (ELL) classes. This program is formerly known as English as a Second Language.

A classroom is involved in discussion. The woman in the middle is currently speaking, while the other students are focusing their attention toward her.

Note: The ELL/ABE Program is intended for Citizens, Immigrants and Refugees. It is not intended for F1, M1, J1, B1 and B2 visas. The ELL/ABE Program does not require and/or process any documentation related to visas or immigration status. If you need to apply for a student visa, please contact International Programs.

 

Get Started Today!

ELL placement testing is by appointment only! All prospective ELL students need to follow these steps.

If you have completed step 1, you have been added to a waitlist.  We will contact you to set up an appointment to complete your application and paperwork together, to provide you with your student ID number, and to schedule your placement test date and time. We will contact you in the order that you appear on our waitlist.

Your placement test will be scheduled during Step 2. Please arrive on time for your scheduled placement test.

Enroll in classes.

 

Key Contacts

Karen Lee

Associate Dean of Instruction
Basic Education for Adults

 

Additional Information

Six Levels of English Language Learning (ELL)

Day and evening ELL classes are offered to immigrants and refugees at Lake Washington Institute of Technology's Kirkland campus. Day classes are usually 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and evening classes are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Classes are being offered on campus and online as well.

Depending on the level and the schedule, classes can meet from six (6) hours a week to 15 hours a week (3 hours a day). At each level, students work on improving all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).

All ELL and ABE classes cost $25 per quarter, regardless of the number of credits taken.

 

Level 1

ELL 15 Beginning ELL Literacy

Level 2

ELL 16 Low-Beginning ELL

Level 3

ELL 30 High-Beginning ELL

Level 4

ELL 40 Low-Intermediate ELL

Level 5

ELL 50 High-Intermediate ELL

Level 6

ELL 65 Advanced ELL


See Class Schedule

 

Online Writing

Under the Basic Skills program, on-line classes help students practice grammar and improve their reading and writing skills. Each quarter, LWTech offers special Orientation sessions. After taking a session, students submit weekly online assignments.

Two online classes are currently available to ELL and ABED students:

Writing and Grammar

ELL 57 ELL Writing High-Beginning/Low-Intermediate

Writing and Grammar

ABED 54 Grammar and Writing, High-Intermediate/Advanced ELL

 

College Transition Classes

The Basic Skills program offers a special class to assist ELL/ABED student transition to college programs. Higher-level ELL and ABED students interested in the college's programs have the option to enroll in Basic Skills for College Preparation.

 

ABED 50 Basic Skills for College Preparation

 

Classroom Help for ELL Students

Help is available for ELL students with questions about Canvas, webmail, or other online classroom issues.

Online Meeting: ask your instructor for the link and password

Phone: ask your instructor for phone number

Available Hours

Available by appointment and during the below hours. 

  • 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
  • 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Contacting the ESO

Via Email: essentialskills@lwtech.edu