College offers free advanced English classes for non-native speakers Liz Manring DOUGLAS — Cochise College Adult Education offers a free program designed for non-native English speakers who need a little boost in confidence in handling everyday situations with native English speakers. TREAT (Technology Rich English for Adult Transitions) is a grant-funded English Language Acquisition class available at the college's campuses in Douglas, Sierra Vista and Willcox. The program aims to help students increase their ability of read, write, speak and listen in English, as well as use computers and other pieces of technology to reach goals. TREAT coordinator Andi Gaines said an important component of these programs is teaching students to be lifelong learners and giving them the ability to take more active roles in their communities. "I think TREAT class will be beneficial to any English language student who wants to take the next step toward their goals but is hesitating," she said. "Even if you don't think you are ready, TREAT offers support and friends and skills that will help you. This class will show you all of your options so you can make the right decisions for you and your family." Classes meet just once a week for 2 1/2 hours, plus independent completion of computer work each week. Laptops are available for students to take home. Gaines said after her first set of students finished the 12-week program, they were surprised by how much their confidence in using English increased. Plus, they felt more comfortable on a computer. "People often ask me, 'How can you practice speaking and listening online?' Well, we did and it worked," she laughed. "Come to a TREAT class and find out why." Gaines is hosting open houses at Cochise College campuses in Douglas, Sierra Vista and Willcox to give students an opportunity to get a taste of TREAT before committing to classes. Douglas Campus open houses are set for Aug. 29 and Sept. 6 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. each day in room 1103. For more information about TREAT, call 515-5394 or visit the Adult Education webpage within www.cochise.edu. For more information about all programs available to Cochise County residents through Cochise College Adult Education, call 515-5456 or email adulteducation@cochise.edu.
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