English Language Learning (ELL)
The focus of Literacy Services of Wisconsin’s ELL program is to help adult learners from around the world improve their English communication skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
In addition to academic achievement, LSW also assists students in realizing personal goals related to citizenship, employment, education, health, and a variety of other skills necessary to navigate American culture.
We offer a variety of learning methods to meet each student's unique educational goals. Class formats vary among sites, but may include:
- One-on-One Tutoring: One or more 90-minute session(s) per week, scheduled according to student needs and tutor availability
- Small Group or Classroom with an instructor
- Learning Labs: Guided independent study*
- Drop-In Tutoring*
NEW! We now offer Virtual/Online Instruction to support students at all locations during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, all in-person services and drop-in tutoring are temporarily unavailable.
* Scheduling and availability vary by location
Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced ELL:
Instruction ranges from basic survival skills and pronunciation through more intermediate and advanced conversation and vocabulary. Sessions may be tailored to address job-related topics or other areas important to students’ daily lives.
Civics for Citizenship
Study the conversation skills and content required to pass the civics portion of the naturalization interview. (LSW cannot assist with applications or legal matters related to citizenship at this time.
To enroll in any of our programs, complete an interest form online or call (414) 344-5878.
Locations & Services
Central
Downtown Center - 555 N. Plankinton Ave.
Class Formats
- One-on-One Tutoring
- Drop-In Conversation Groups
Northwest Side
Silver Spring Neighborhood Center - 5460 N 64th St.
Class Formats
- One-on-One Tutoring
- Classroom
South Side
Layton Center - 1545 S. Layton Blvd.
Class Formats
- One-on-One Tutoring
- Classroom
South Division High School Learning Lab - 1515 W. Lapham Blvd.
Class Formats
- Classroom
Waukesha
Waukesha Center - 831 N. Grand Ave., Second Floor
Class Formats
- One-on-One Tutoring
- Small Groups
- Classroom
Meet ELL student, Yannick.
Meet Yannick, our 2019 Student of Inspiration from our English Language Learning (ELL) program! Yannick arrived in the United States from Cameroon a few years ago. He was hired to work on the floor at Penzey's Spices, but as a native French speaker, he had trouble with the speed and content of American speech, so he enrolled at LSW. Yannick has a degree in Engineering, as well as experience in computer science, and he and his tutor began to explore what he could offer his employer beyond the job description for which he was hired. Yannick was eventually promoted to an IT position, and now he has an office! He is currently enrolled at UWM and studying for a degree from a U.S. college. In addition to work and school, Yannick and his wife recently became homeowners, and they are expecting an addition to their family. On working with Yannick, his tutor remarked, “We often learn as much from our students about many things beyond the lessons in a book.”