Report now available evaluating the ESOL pathfinder projects
“Those taking part in the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) pathfinders project identified high-levels of demand for ESOL classes. Levels of need among learners varied considerably. In a number of pathfinders it took time to reach a fully functioning position, despite what were thought to be thorough planning and bidding processes. This tends to reflect the fact that the ESOL programmes were fairly underdeveloped. Several pathfinders faced challenges in recruiting appropriate numbers of qualified teachers, identifying appropriate venues, and developing materials. They have responded by developing a variety of tailored approaches to make the best of available resources.
By the end of the period, partnership working had emerged as a significant strength for many. There was also evidence of successful employer engagement.
Read Qualitative evaluation of the ESOL pathfinder projects, Department for Education and Skills (DfES), Research Report 611, 2005, at
www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR611.pdf“
