Adults taking English classes at Luther Vaughan
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Rocio Martinez and Rosa Barrera use a computer to improve their English skills last week while attending an English as a Second Language class at Luther Vaughan Elementary.

Rosa Barrera hopes a better command of English will help her sell cars and help her children be more successful in school.

Barrera is among 15 adults spending their mornings attending English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at Luther Vaughan Elementary. The adult education program is funded by a grant through the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act.

The Guatemala native attends the English classes before making daily treks to work at her husband's car dealership in Columbia. She sells cars at the dealership on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Barrera is in her second year in the English program. While she is getting better at writing and reading, she still finds it difficult sometimes to understand fast English speakers.

"I want to help my little child with school at home," Barrera said. "I want to communicate with teachers better."

The ESL class taught by adult education teacher Rick Wilkins is comprised largely of females.

His basic and advanced English classes include students from Guatemala, Mexico, the Ukraine, Vietnam and Iran.

"We target adults not in the public school where English is not their primary language," Wilkins said. "We concentrate on areas the adults need to become fully fluent and communicate effectively in English. Many of the students are literate in English, but have problems speaking the language."

The class has an open enrollment policy with 30 students currently moving in and out of the program at various times. Students practice listening, spelling and speaking English words covering all aspects of the language.

Research shows it takes nine years for someone to become fluent in a foreign language.

The ESL program taught by Wilkins gives the adults four hours of instruction in English while using textbooks and computers Mondays through Thursdays. He often takes the students on field trips to Prime Outlets - Gaffney and other locations where they can practice their English in social settings.

A lesson on civics covers the voting process, civil rights and how to become citizens.

Many of the adult students have Green Cards as permanent U.S. residents. They have children in school and spouses working with local companies.

Rocio Martinez said she wants to improve her English so her children can be successful in school.

"It has helped me with my English so I can make calls for appointments," Martinez said. "Now I don't need someone to come with me to the doctor's office. I don't need a translator."