Q: What does AESL mean?
A: AESL is an acronym for Academic English as a Second Language. AESL prepares students for assessment tests, college courses, and workplace writing. AESL is part of Developmental Studies at HCCS. Many of the AESL students enroll in this program in order to prepare for the state-mandated THEA test, which assesses college readiness in math, writing, and reading. Other students want to improve their English for the workplace. Along with AESL courses, developmental students often take reading courses (GUST 0340, 0341, and 0342) and developmental math (Math 0306, 0308, and 0312).

Q: What is Developmental Studies?
A: Developmental Studies includes AESL, Developmental English for native speakers, Guided Studies (GUST) reading courses, and Developmental Math. Students who have not passed THEA and who need to strengthen basic reading, writing, and math skills are placed into developmental studies by HCCS assessment tests. Students earn college credits for these courses, but the credits do not transfer to other colleges and universities.

Q: What is the THEA?
A: THEA stands for Texas Higher Education Assessment. It is an assessment test that measures a student’s knowledge of basic skills in reading, writing, and math. The state of Texas mandates the THEA for all new students in public colleges and universities. For more information about the THEA and a sample test:
www.tasp.nesinc.com

Q: Who is eligible to take Academic ESL courses?
A: If you are a non-native speaker of English and are interested in studying English part-time (4 or 5 hours per course each week) during the day, at night, or on Saturdays, then AESL is the program for you. If you are a permanent resident, U.S. citizen, undocumented or foreign student on a visa and you plan to get a college degree or certificate, then this program may be right for you. If you can commit yourself to attending a 16-week regular term or a 10-week summer semester, then AESL would serve you well. Grades (A, B, C, F, and IP) are given in these courses, which focus primarily on grammar and writing for academic purposes.

Q: How do I get into Academic ESL?
A: HCCS requires all new students to take a placement test that assesses language skills. The CELSA test for English determines your placement into one of the following courses in the AESL sequence: ENGL 0340, 0341, 0346, 0347, or 0349. In addition to the CELSA, students write a composition and/or have an oral interview with their instructor to confirm placement during the first week of class.

Q: Can I skip a class in the sequence, or are all of the courses required?
A: Students must take courses in sequential order because a lower-level class prepares them for the next course in the program. If a student’s placement test scores do not accurately reflect his or her ability, the student has another chance to demonstrate language skills in the diagnostic composition during the first week of class.

Q: Do I have to take the THEA if I complete the required AESL courses?
A: If the HCCS placement tests indicate a need for developmental studies in reading, writing, and/or math, HCCS requires students to complete the developmental sequence of courses in these subject areas. Students take the THEA during the semester in which they take ENGL 0349. Usually this test is taken at or near the midterm. Students should see a counselor to learn more about THEA compliance.

Q: How much do AESL classes cost?
A: Tuition is determined by the number of credit hours that a student earns for each course and the residency status of the student. There are three categories for tuition: In-District, Out-of-District, and Out-of State. Students earn 3 credits for each AESL course.
Counselors can assist students in determining residency status.