Admission Requirements
Can a student be denied admission due to a lack of an acceptable level of English skills?
Adam,
If the classes are taught in English, then a student without the level of proficiency would not be set up for success.
Patty Aronoff
In theory yes. In order for a student to be admitted to our school they need to pass an admissions test which is in english. If a student does not speak fluent english then their performance on the test would not meet the passing score. So in theory they can be denied admission.
Nicolas,
Exactly! The Commission has specific rules for courses that are taught in a language other than English. There is also a statement regarding employment requiring English.
Patty Aronoff
Henry,
The Commission addresses courses that are taught in languages other than English. There should also be entrance testing to determine their level of competency.
Patty Aronoff
I understant that there are many students that speak foreign languages. However, it is unrealistic to change the admission procedure to accomodate every language. In changing the procedure you need to take into consideration any state or licensing exam that the student will have to take after they finish. Is the exam given in another language? Many certifications are only in english and if the student is not able to pass in english they will not be able to find a job in that field.
This is a great question and one that our school encounters on a weekly basis. It is a difficult situation because you want to offer the opportunity to everyone, but you cannot always find a proper translation for the class you are teaching.
Gretel,
The requirements are clearly stated in the Commission's rules. English is the primary language and there are required disclosures when the courses are taught in a language other then English.
Patty Aronoff
I think there are many aspects you need to take in count. For instance, in a city like Miami, where almost everybody speaks Spanish as a first language and English as a second one (my case) you have to balance your admission requirements because probably this student is never going speak a word in English on his job. There are some places, or areas of the city where language is not really a problem, but this people wants to study, wants to improve their lives and if we have bilingual teachers and bilingual market for jobs I can't see why we should deny this people the admission.
Mary,
Ability to benefit does provide an opportunity that will improve their life! I do suggest that this is also an opportunity to support the ATB students in a manner that they will be successful by tutoring, study skills workshops, etc.
Patty Aronoff
I know that our institute has a curriculum that is based to help and meet all needs; Visual, Auditorial, and Hands- On! Also, we offer an Ability to Learn Test ..if a student happens to not pass , then they can come into the program as an ATB Alternative Student; which means that they become an eligible student after meeting their hours within a sufficent amount of time and they keep up with their grade average as well!! So, the answer is YES!
Ronald,
It depends upon the admissions requirements for your school as listed in the catalog.
Patty Aronoff
