Determining Program Focus
Slidecast
Effective ESL literacy programs are based on a clear vision of where they are taking learners and how they will get them there. Effective programs identify learner and community needs and use this information to determine the focus of their program.
Determining needs should be an early step in the development of an ESL literacy program. Needs assessments are valuable in the development, evaluation and evolution of an ESL literacy program. They help you understand your audience and the barriers they face, and make your program viable and responsive to the needs in your community.
Existing programs should also carry out needs assessments regularly, with learners and in the community, to make sure that the program is on track and meets the needs of everyone involved. That way, the program stays accountable to learners and the wider community.
In this section, learn more about community and learner needs assessments and determining program focus.
