Higher Level EAL: Preparing for Academic Success
At the final stage of Luther College’s EAL program, students enter the Higher Level. This stage is designed for those on the cusp of advanced English proficiency (CEFR C1, IELTS 7, TOEFL 100). Here, students meet with language coaches every second day, totaling five sessions every two weeks. The focus is on helping them fully engage in Luther’s academic programs, especially in humanities courses where strong language skills are crucial.
What to Expect:
- Personalized Coaching: Students lead their language sessions, bringing questions and goals related to their humanities courses. Coaches guide them to think critically, develop opinions, and become independent learners. The coach’s role is not to provide answers but to help students bridge gaps in understanding and build essential skills.
- Focused Humanities Support: Higher Level students typically take two humanities courses, such as English 10 and Christian Ethics, with the option to add History if needed for graduation.
- Skill Development: Students will learn time management, organization, prioritization, and research techniques. These skills are crucial for success in both school and future work environments.
Graduating from Higher Level EAL: To move on from Higher Level EAL, students must:
- Maintain an Overall Average: Students need to pass all registered courses and maintain at least a 65% average.
- Teacher Approval: English, Christian Ethics, and possibly History teachers must agree that the student is ready to progress without further EAL support, based on classroom performance and participation.
- Coach Approval: The language coach must confirm that the student meets CEFR C1 benchmarks, showing strong language skills, critical thinking, and the ability to clearly express opinions in speaking and writing.
If any of these criteria aren’t met, students may need to repeat the Higher Level EAL for another semester to ensure they have the support needed to reach their academic goals.