ESL, ELL, ABE, ASE: Getting the Terminology Straight

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ESL, ELL, ABE, ASE:

Getting the Terminology Straight

Created by the Adult Learning Resource Center

for the Illinois Community College Board

Adult Education Professional Development Network

ESL and ELLs

For the purpose of reporting data to the state, adult education institutions designate the courses they offer as either “ESL” or “ABE/ASE.”  

ESL (English as a Second Language) courses are for students whose first language is not English. These courses focus on all areas of English language development, including listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and pronunciation, and often include instruction on civics, life skills, career pathways, math and American culture. All of the students in ESL classes are English Language Learners (ELLs).  Students in these courses are tested in Illinois using the BEST Literacy, BEST Plus, or CASAS Life and Work Reading test.

The National Reporting System (NRS) of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) divides ESL students into six levels, as described in the Educational Functioning Level charts for ESL. The NRS charts of the Educational Functioning Levels for ESL and ABE/ASE can be viewed and downloaded from the iLEARN course page.

ABE and ASE

Courses designated as ABE (Adult Basic Education) provide basic reading, writing and math instruction to adults who read below a 9^th grade equivalency level, as indicated by TABE or CASAS GOALS test scores. ABE courses are sometimes referred to as "Pre-GED" classes.

Courses designated as ASE (Adult Secondary Education) are for students who read at a high school equivalency level, 9.0-12.9, according to TABE or CASAS GOALS scores. ASE courses typically prepare students for the GED® or a similar test with the expectation that they will transition into higher education or into career training. In many institutions, ASE level courses are called “GED” classes.

The NRS divides ABE/ASE students into six levels as well. You can view and download the NRS charts from the iLEARN course page.

This online course has been developed for ABE teachers who have ELLs in their classrooms and who do not have extensive training in ESL instruction.

The Relationship Between ESL and ABE/ASE

We can compare the reading grade level equivalencies of ESL and ABE/ASE students using the table below.

You can see the overlap between ESL and ABE/ASE by looking at the colors in the chart below. For example, ESL students at the Low Intermediate ESL level have reading abilities similar to ABE students at the Beginning Basic Education level, an approximate 2.0-3.9 grade level equivalency. 

You can see that the Advanced ESL level corresponds to the High Intermediate Basic Education ABE/ASE level. 

Although there is an overlap in the reading test scores, it is important to note that ESL curricula differ greatly from ABE/ASE curricula. In ESL classes, reading is taught with other language skills (listening, speaking, pronunciation, grammar, etc.). In fact, the emphasis may be on oral language skills, with lesser emphasis on reading and writing until the higher levels of ESL. At all levels of ABE/ASE, however, the curriculum focus is on reading, writing, math, and employability skills.

The ESL to ABE/ASE Progression

Although some ESL students (particularly those with strong educational backgrounds) may be capable of transitioning directly into higher education or job training, most don’t have strong enough academic skills to make this leap.

There is a natural progression from ESL instruction to ABE/ASE. At the beginning, ELLs need the comprehensive English language instruction provided in ESL classes. Listening and speaking are the foundation for reading and writing. ELLs need to learn grammar and background information about life and culture in America in order to understand what they are hearing and reading, and to express themselves orally and in writing.

A logical next step for students exiting advanced ESLcourses is into a low or high intermediate level ABE class to continue strengthening their academic reading, writing, math, and employability skills. These skills will be necessary if they want to attain a GED® or other high school equivalency  credential and/or transition into higher education or job training.