Day Intensive Program (DIP) Curriculum

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The Day Intensive Program (DIP) offers intensive academic preparation. Morning (DIPAM) and afternoon (DIPPM) schedules are available. Both AM and PM programs fulfill the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) requirements for issuance of I-20s.

• Classes are designed to meet the needs of our students. They help students develop the academic English language skills needed to succeed in college, graduate school or a professional career.
• Classes focus on current, academic topics for reading, writing, listening, speaking, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary practice.
• Instructors use authentic English materials (newspapers, news programs, short stories, etc.).
• Class activities are based on individual, pair, small group, and whole class work. Students are active learners.
• Feedback is provided throughout the semester.
• Students in levels 3 and above choose a workshop or elective class to gain extra practice in a specific skill, learn about a topic of interest, prepare for college, or learn a fun new talent.

CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES

There are 10 levels with specific curriculum objectives. At the beginning levels students practice fluency. At the advanced levels students prepare for college:

FINDING YOUR LEVEL

Each student’s level is based on a two and a half hour placement test which includes

• A Narrative Writing Sample
• An Expository Writing Sample
• Listening Comprehension
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Reading Comprehension

MOVING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Promotion to the next level is based on

Student coursework (completion of homework and in-class assignments)
Student participation in class
Midterm and final exams in the writing and reading classes
All teachers’ recommendations at the end of the term

LEARNING TECHNOLOGY

Technology plays a key role in every DIP class. It gives students the tools to succeed in academic and professional environments.

• Facilities include state-of-the-art listening and computer labs which classes use to practice language and develop computer skills.
• DIP offers technology elective classes in basic computer applications, PowerPoint, web design, and digital storytelling. (Click on the links to see sample students projects.)
• Students have access to LaGuardia College open labs with high speed Internet and Microsoft office applications.

MORNING SCHEDULE

AFTERNOON SCHEDULE