English as a Second Language (ESL) By Dr. Joe Minaldi               How do you tackle the 13-million-immigration problem? You help those coming into the country learn the English language and integrate them into the United States of America. Have you run into people who you do not understand? Give them a helping hand in learning the English language and help them climb the ladder to success. Best news — this education is free in America.             Our government has a huge problem today. Government estimates that $400 billion dollars is lost each year in income taxes, and this is primarily from those persons who pay no taxes and are not part of our culture. When my great-grandpa came over from Sicily in the 1830s, it was very difficult for him since he spoke only Sicilian and lived in neighborhoods of his same culture. It is only human to drift the way the wind blows and move toward the familiar. If a person cannot even communicate in the common language of a country, he or she becomes isolated and fails to become part of the community and country. Having the language skills helps persons find their way into society and become respected citizens. It goes both ways, too. There are language schools in Italy to help Americans learn the mother tongue.             Children arriving from a non- English-speaking country have even a more difficult time when they enroll in school here. Because of the language difficulties, fights can start over the smallest issues, and playgrounds can become a hotbed of long-term social resentments. United States Department of Justice studies show that gangs and violence can occur when people fail to mesh, and gangs can form when socially isolated youngsters reach out to find friends and make poor choices.             The same studies show that this sense of isolation is the main reason school districts require teaching English as a second language. All districts are required to teach English so that students can become proficient in their second language. Colleges and universities now require minimum test scores in the English language before the student can gain entrance into many courses. For students to reach these goals, public schools now are required to fund and conform to the No Child Left Behind protocol. English language testing is done each year in each grade to ensure that students achieve these goals.             If you know of adults without a high school diploma and younger persons without these language skills, you should encourage them to inquire at their local schools. Often the coursework is free. Helping those without reading and spoken English proficiency to improve their skills will help them socially and in their employment. Today, if students do not have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 or higher, they may not find a college or university to accept them.             Higher education is very expensive nowadays, and students and parents often must look to grants and loans to fund a course of study. Because of this, students need to prepare for college years in advance so that when they do apply for admittance, the process is not just a painful series of rejection letters.             Most high-school parents do not know about the TEFL score requirements. Many foreign-born and native-born students are shocked when they receive rejection from the schools of their choice. The Department of Justice research has shown that helping students move into higher education helps reduce the level of crime and drugs in society. If a student has low college entrance scores, he or she probably will not gain acceptance to the college of his or her choice.             Most local ESL classrooms have a maximum of twelve students per instructor, and the public schools furnish this education without cost. However, you may find that a for-profit school may be a better choice for you or your child. Kaplan, Sylvan Learning Centers, and Kumon show outstanding reading and speaking results. Recently, I worked with students at Kumon, and was surprised at the outcome. Many elementary and secondary students were working on math and reading skills far beyond their grade levels.             A Japanese company founded in 1913, Kumon is the largest private TESL school with millions of students throughout the world. There are over 20 sites around the Las Vegas area. If you have a recent relative arriving from the old country, it is worthwhile for them to explore attending the Kumon School. I personally observed excellent results with this program.             Learning a language does take work; however, you can turn this “chore” into a vacation. If a student wishes to make a vacation out of learning English or Italian, he or she could consider the International House of Language in Palermo. Also known as the Language Centre Palermo, it has courses for all ages with levels from beginning to advanced. Lessons are held using the most up-to-date methodology and are fun and engaging, with a maximum of 12 students per class and qualified teachers. Classes are held at many different times and have different levels of intensity. Students also can advance academically in the overseas classes and early college credit for the university or college of their choice. For information on the institute’s programs, log on to www.ihpalermo.com.             If you want to advance in the world, you need to be able to communicate with people around you. With an emphasis in better language skills, the government rolls out checks in billions of dollars to help you learn. Seize the advantage of this government funding and get a head start on life.