Educational Services
One of the most significant challenges to employment for refugees and immigrants can be limited English proficiency. Refugees with low native language literacy skills and little formal education often face the greatest barriers to learning English. Limited English skills can mean a refugee or immigrant is unable to find employment or has limited opportunities for a living wage job. The ability to communicate in English increases opportunities to obtain higher wage employment and integrate more successfully into local communities. LEP Pathway's educational services provide participants with work-related English language training to enhance their employability.
Contractors utilize the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) to access an individual's English language proficiency for listening and reading, and other tests to assess speaking and writing proficiency. The ranges in levels are from 1 through 6. Level 1 indicates the participant's English proficiency skills are at the low end of the scale, and higher ESL levels indicate higher English proficiencies.
ORIA contracts with local community colleges and community based organizations to develop employment related curriculum, training materials and classroom instruction.
ORIA LEP Pathway – ESL | ELA Program Manager Contact Information:
Ashley Mai
ashley.mai@dshs.wa.gov
Click here for English as-a-Second-Language training providers.