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STEP

STEP (Step Towards English Proficiency) is an English language proficiency tool used to keep track of your English progress. 

Teachers look for Observable Language Behaviours in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to determine your progress. 

These are the 6 STEPS to language proficiency: 

Step 1 

Step 2 

Step 3 

Step 4 

Step 5 

Step 6 

Beginner 

High Beginner 

Intermediate 

High Intermediate 

Advanced 

Almost Fluent 

 

In high school there are also ESL credit courses. The five ESL levels are based on a student's proficiency in English.   

International Students: will write a proficiency test prior to arrival in Canada. 

Newcomers: will have an initial STEP assessment done to determine their proficiency 

These are the 5 ESL credit courses at the high school level that are offered based on student's English proficiency: 

ESLAO 

ESLBO 

ESLCO 

ESLDO 

ESLEO 

Beginner 

High Beginner 

Intermediate 

High Intermediate 

Advanced/Almost Fluent 


I
mportant information for International Students: 

The eligibility for International Students at the UCDSB to enroll in courses according to the level of English proficiency he/she has displayed are outlined below. The five ESL levels noted are province wide levels of proficiency as recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Education. 

 

ESL Level 

 

Courses 

ESLAO, ESLBO 

 

Locally developed, open level workplace and college preparation courses (Excluding ENG3C and ENG2D) 

 

ESLCO 

College Preparation courses Including all University preparation courses Excluding ENG3U and ENG4U 

ESLDO 

University preparation courses Excluding ENG4U 

ESLEO 

University preparation courses Including ALL English courses 

 

Note:  It is not recommended that students undertake an academic English course in their first semester of study in Canada, regardless of ESL Level on entry. 

 
Updated January 2018

 

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