Take Charge! is a two-level series for teaching English to adults. Level One of Take Charge! is for students who have had little exposure to English and are not fully literate in their first language. Level Two is intended for more advanced beginners who have some English skills and a solid native literacy background. Both levels of the Take Charge! program feature: a student-centered approach; a focus on useful language; opportunities for authentic communication; early literacy training; practice in critical thinking skills; an optional grammar component. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Take Charge! program is its focus on student-centered teaching which helps students empower themselves in language learning and ultimately, in everyday life. In the words of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire: Adult education should have as one of its main tasks to invite people to believe in themselves. It should invite people to believe that they have knowledge. Take Charge! is designed to actively involve students in the language-learning process. Adult learners bring with them a rich variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This series helps teachers make the most of these resources - providing personal motivation for each individual and a more exciting and effective learning environment for everyone. Flexible Learning Components Both levels of the Take Charge! program feature the following components: Student Text At each level, the Student Text features the basic language students need to function in a variety of contexts in the English-speaking community. The Student Text contains meaningful learning tasks and provides many opportunities for students to communicate with one another inEnglish. Each unit includes a balance of practice in the four language skills. Throughout the series, students are invited to engage in critical thinking and reflection about personal experiences as well as current social issues. Grammar Workbook The Grammar Workbook can be used with or without the Student Text. At each level, the Grammar Workbook contains simple explanations of all grammar items that appear in the corresponding Student Text, along with several practice exercises. Teacher's Manual Both Teacher's Manuals contain step-by step suggestions for presenting all Student Text and Grammar Workbook lessons. Each lesson in the Teacher's Manual opens with a general explanation and overview of the material covered in that lesson, followed by detailed teaching suggestions. Audio Program At each level, the Audio Program contains vocabulary words for students to repeat, listening activities, practice dialogues, and other exercise material. If the teacher chooses to provide oral input in person, the Audio Program can be used for individual or small-group review and practice. A complete tapescript for the Audio Program can be found at the back of the Student Text. Ideal for high-beginning ESL students.