In 1990-91, the Rockville Campus (RC) of Montgomery College (MC) in Maryland, revised its English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program to make it more responsive to student needs and begin offering ESL courses for institutional credit in fall 1991. Faculty at MC's Takoma Park Campus (TPC), however, objected to RC's proposed changes, particularly to offering credit for ESL credit courses. This report responds to TPC's objections and sets forth the position of the Department of Reading and ESL at RC, making the case for granting academic credit for ESL courses at the community college level. Following a brief description of the background of ESL and program revitalization at MC, the paper defines institutional credit and emphasizes its importance in the ESL program. Next, the case for granting credit to ESL courses is presented. Arguments presented include the following: (1) credit for ESL courses is a mainstay for academic revitalization; (2) credit is required if ESL courses at MC are to be comparable to those at other institutions, and credit is warranted on the basis of course content; (3) ESL courses are not manifestly remedial; (4) course credit benefits students by increasing motivation through positive reinforcement; and (5) credit for ESL is vital in order to fulfill the institutional mission and to remain competitive. Finally, arguments expressed by TPC faculty against credit are presented and refuted, including the arguments that ESL is "precollege" instruction, credit may skew the grade point averages for foreign students, and ESL is not language study and should not be rewarded since English is the "official language" at MC. Contains 25 references. (PAA)