Commitments for Students

1. Schedule

The hours of the classes are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5.00 to 6.45pm. But teachers need to be at CIS at 4:45 with prepared materials for the students who come early to class. For reasons of security and a redistribution of human resources, the door will not be opened after 5.15pm and there will be no access to the building. Occasionally, we will have some activities on Wednesday, you can take a look on the calendar.

2. Absences

Throughout the cycle a student can accumulate up to a maximum of five (5) absences. If students cannot attend classes due to work, travel or other personal circumstances, they should notify CIS by email: englishschool@cis-elsalvador.org or by telephone: 2235-1330 ext. 3

3. Interaction

The Mélida Anaya Montes Language School has a leftist political orientation focused on social justice and equality; therefore, we promote and facilitate the analysis of the reality of the country from this perspective and we reflect on some topics that could be considered controversial. This requires RESPECT, OPEN MINDEDNESS and ACTIVE LISTENING from the participants. However, WE DO NOT BELONG TO A POLITICAL PARTY. So, respect for different political beliefs is fundamental.

The mission and institutional vision we invite students to favor is fair exchange and respect amongst the Salvadorans and the team of volunteers, whether they are foreigners or nationals. Therefore, students should follow appropriate conduct for a learning center. As such, personal relationships between teaching volunteers and students are not permitted, so as not to create a difficult environment in the group. The same applies to CIS staff. Likewise, respect must be shown to others and their ideas. It is important not to monopolize conversations in order to allow equal participation amongst everyone. Equally, caring for furniture and installations is the responsibility of all those who use them. The same applies to cleaning spaces and food utensils. Finally, students are a part of the institution and they can take part in the organized activities when possible.

4. Payment

The total cost of the cycle is $50.00, which can be paid on the 4 proposed dates stated on the cycle calendar. If students have difficulties meeting these payments on time, it is necessary to present their case to the English School Coordinator. The money students pay allows us to operate the program: teaching materials, facilities, salaries, etc.

5. Half scholarships

CIS offers support of half scholarships to those students committed to learning the language but with financial limitations. This request can only be made in the second or subsequent cycles of student enrollment. To apply a student must complete the following requirements:

• Necessity of economic support.
• Fulfillment of absences and lateness guidelines.
• Demonstration of commitment to the learning progress.
• Demonstration of an open and respectful attitude to discussion and reflection of equity and social justice issues.
• Active participation in special activities.

6. Evaluations and/or Special Activities

Throughout the cycle there will be two exams or evaluations for students. The first one is the mid-cycle evaluation and the second is the final evaluation. The specific day for doing the mid-cycle exam will be on a Wednesday at the same time as classes. However, the final one will be done on Monday of the last week of classes. For the exact date, look at the cycle calendar.

Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to objectively evaluate teachers, school, and the Coordinator the day after their exam. This evaluation must be done inside the classrooms exclusively. Students can take it online as well.

7. Promotion of levels

Cycles have a maximum duration of 9 to 10 weeks, which means a limited time for the learning progress. For this reason, the school doesn’t favor automatic promotion to the next level. The student remains in the assigned level to ensure his/her knowledge of the language is sufficient for promotion. This means:

• Mastering the content of their current level.
• Good participation and attendance in class.
• Following up on their oral and/or written evaluation during the cycle.
• Receiving a recommendation for promotion from both the teacher and Coordinator.

8. Continuity in the school

Once a person has been accepted in the program, they can continue to the following cycle only if:

• The payment of the previous cycle has been settled.
• They have signed up for the following cycle.
• They have demonstrated interest and effort in the previous cycle and complied with the expectations of attendance, punctuality etc.
• They have shown respectful behavior and an open attitude to group reflections.

If there is a problem that is affecting commitment to learning, class attendance or ability to meet payment, there should be no hesitation in contacting the School Coordinator.

9. Accompaniment

The coordinator of the English School has a commitment and obligation to attend to the needs and suggestions of students. Students should express their comments (in person, or via email or telephone). Also, the coordinator will observe the classes, so he/she can make suggestions to the teachers. If students feel their needs are not being met, they should feel free to approach the Program of Education Coordinator and/or the Executive Director.