Curriculum
2010-2011 Curriculum Guide
All new international students must take a placement test to determine the most appropriate level of ESL. Faculty monitor placement and make appropriate changes as students progress. All changes are designed to enable international students to mainstream as soon as soon as possible and to score well on the TOEFL Test before they graduate.
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Students take four courses focused on developing basic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Various forms of literature are introduced along with ancient history, basic grammar, vocabulary and study skills. A greater emphasis is placed on forming strong listening comprehension and foundational communication skills in the beginning level.
Courses:
* Language Skills
* Literature
* Grammar
* Humanities
Intermediate ESL
Prerequisites-Beginning ESL or comparable level of proficiency
Students have achieved proficiency in basic English communication skills. A student at this level is scheduled in four course of ESL and takes a math class appropriate to his/her mathematical ability. Emphasis is placed on developing academic English by studying literature which is widely read in native speakers’ classes. Students also take a world history course, which meets the history requirement for graduation, and study academic composition and grammar usage.
Courses:
*Composition
*Literature
*Grammar
*World Cultures
Advanced ESL
Prerequisites-Intermediate ESL or comparable level of proficiency
This level consists of two or three ESL courses. Typically, students at this level are also enrolled in both math and science classes. The focus is on more advanced academic vocabulary and writing skills as well as strengthening grammar. The department offers sheltered classes in literature and history.
Courses:
* Advanced Grammar and Composition
* Advanced Literature
* American Literature
* World Literature
* US History
TOEFL
Admission to US universities, conservatories and art schools is growing increasingly competitive, and the minimum TOEFL score required for admission is rising each year. Therefore, one of the goals of the ESL department at IAA is to provide students with the skills to score well on this exam and gain admittance to the school of their choice. All international juniors and seniors are required to take the TOEFL.