OVERVIEW

On this page, you will read about I-BEST programs.

First, read the text about I-BEST.
Then, listen to audio of the text.

READ & LISTEN

I-BEST teachers in the classroom

Image by projectidea, CC BY 2.0

Read:

Many immigrants in the U.S. work in jobs that pay only minimum wage. Jobs that pay more money need more education. How can you continue to learn English and go to college or learn technical skills at the same time?

An I-BEST program may be just what you need. I-BEST is a special program in many community colleges. What is special about it? This program gives students an opportunity to learn two sets of skills at the same time:

basic skills, such as English as a Second Language (ESL), reading, writing, and math;
technical skills, such as being a nursing assistant or a welder.

There are two teachers in the I-BEST classroom. One teacher teaches technical skills. The other teacher teaches basic skills.

In some I-BEST programs, students get a certificate after three (3) months and then find a job. Other I-BEST programs are more like a bridge to academic programs, such as nursing or accounting.

ESL students are very successful in I-BEST programs. Why? I-BEST programs allow ESL students to learn English, basic skills, and technical skills at the same time. This saves time and money.

Listen: