English as a Second Language: Its Scope, Role and Definition within California Community Colleges.

A review is provided of the clientele, provision of services, and potential growth of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in California's community colleges as a step in the development of a coherent philosophy and practical strategy to meet current and future needs. Section I provides background information on ESL instruction in the community colleges and the bills which constitute legislative authority for ESL offerings. Section II highlights major findings and recommendations of the California Postsecondary Education Commission report, "Promises to Keep," indicating that ESL courses are found in every segment of postsecondary education in California and that 91 of 107 community colleges offer ESL instruction. Section III discusses the current and projected needs for ESL services, considering the number of limited-English proficient students in K-12 levels, vocational education requirements, the large refugee population in California, and demographic projections. Section IV describes the characteristics of existing programs and the teaching and administrative practices found in ESL courses and programs statewide based on a 1983 survey of a stratified sample of 18 community colleges. Finally, section V describes three model ESL programs, selected on the basis of innovative practices, size, location, and population served. Appendices include ESL course descriptions. (HB)