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.

• There are ten proficiency levels in DIP, from beginning (Level 1) to very advanced (Level 10).
• 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

Each level in DIP has its own curriculum, which includes goals and objectives, appropriate textbooks, specific ideas for classroom topics and activities, lab lessons, examinations, and other elements.

FINDING YOUR LEVEL

There are ten proficiency levels in DIP, from beginning (Level 1) to very advanced (Level 10). When you first register in DIP, you take a placement exam that tests your reading, listening, and writing skills as well as your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

MOVING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

At the end of each quarter, DIP teachers carefully evaluate the work that you have done. Final writing exams are part of this process, but all of the work that you have done during the entire quarter is important evidence of your ability to use the English language. This information will help your teachers determine whether you are ready to move to the next level.

THE NEW TELC MEDIA CENTER

Technology plays a key role in every DIP class. It gives students the tools to succeed in academic and professional environments. The TELC Media Center is a brand new state-of-the-art computer laboratory that provides an opportunity for students to improve their English skills.

Many different types of language practice are possible in the Media Center. Sometimes students work on improving listening comprehesion by listening to audio files or watching video clips. At other times students work on pronunciation by recording and listening to their own voices in order to find and correct mistakes. The Media Center is used for writing and reading practice as well.

SAMPLE MORNING SCHEDULE

SAMPLE AFTERNOON SCHEDULE

THE LANGUAGE CLINIC

The Language Clinic is a free tutoring service to give students help with language learning. For more information about this wonderful service, see the Language Clinic page.