Bilingual Vocational Education and Support - Taft College

 

Program Components:

Academic/remedial support

Financial support

Curriculum development

 

Limited English Proficient Students

Title: Bilingual Vocational Education and Support

College: Taft College

College Contact: Dr. John D. Eigenauer

29 Emmons Park Dr

Taft, CA 93268

661.763.7722; jeigenauer@yahoo.com

Description: This practice is designed to provide viable career opportunities to students

of limited English capabilities, and to provide these same students with opportunities for

successful college experiences that will inspire students to learn English and continue

their education. The practice targets five significant obstacles inhibiting college level

participation of students of limited English proficiency:

q The English language

q Transportation

q Child care

q Social inhibitions

q Limited access to and capabilities with computer technology

Solutions to each of the four difficulties listed above are, in order:

q Provide in class bilingual translators in Welding, Automotive Technology,

and Early Childhood Education.

q Provide busing from outlying communities three nights per week.

q Provide child care until 10:00 PM at Taft College’s child care center.

q Provide help with enrollment, social integration, book purchases, and other

aspects of campus life.

q Provide community service classes taught in the Spanish language in

computer technology.

The program is staffed by

q Bilingual translators in Welding, Automotive Technology, and Early

Childhood Education.

q A Bus driver.

q Childcare workers (already in place).

q Bilingual counselor (already in place).

q Bilingual teacher for community service classes.

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The practice makes use of:

q Headphones for in class translations during lectures.

q Translation software.

q Some Spanish language books (where available) to be used as supplements.

The program has been funded by VTEA, Verizon Foundation and Housing and Urban

Development grants, and local sources.

No formal marketing practices were used. Students commonly spoke to friends, who

shared their enthusiasm for the program with others. There is considerable anecdotal

evidence that suggests that students with limited English proficiency are progressing in

their abilities with English, advancing to more difficult courses, and finding jobs.

Program implementors recommend that to replicate the practice, other colleges should

start by targeting one course or one discipline in a vocational area and fund a bilingual inclass

translator.

Central (5)

Career areas:  Engineering/industrial technology

Family/Consumer Science

 

 

 

 

 

 

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