The Bilingual endorsement allows the holder to teach Bilingual/Bicultural education in all public schools. This certificate requires 12 credits of formal instruction in linguistics, language acquisition, developing literacy skills for the second language learner, and methods and theory of bilingual/ESL education.
Required courses:
Linguistics: 56:300:570 (3 credits)
A study of language and cultures, including techniques for analyzing linguistic structures. This course will also examine sociolinguistics and writing systems.(NJPST 4 & 5)
Second Language Acquisition: 56:300:571 (3 credits)
This course focuses on the principles of second language learning and will explore the major themes and theories in second language acquisition and the learning impact in a classroom setting. Students will gain a more accurate perspective of the complexity of factors that shape language. (NJPST 1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
Developmental Literacy for Multilingual Learners: 56:300:572 (3 credits)
This course explores the reading, writing, and language development of multilingual learners at all levels. Students will explore various program models to build academic language and literacy, including immersion, transitional bilingual, and various ESL services. Students will create engaging literacy environments and culturally responsive teaching techniques to meet the needs of students of varying background and language proficiencies. (NJPST 1, 2, 3, 7, 8)
Methods & Theory of Teaching Multilingual Learners: 56:300:573 (3 credits)
This course explores the historical foundation of Bilingual and ESL Learners, and will investigate current research in effective, current pedagogical strategies for teaching Multilingual Learners in a variety of contexts. Students will also learn about theoretical and applied methods for choosing appropriate materials. (NJPST 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
Additional Information & NJ DOE Testing Requirements
- Candidates must hold or be in the process of obtaining a NJ instructional certificate with an appropriate endorsement to the subject or grade level to be taught. World Language certificates are not appropriate endorsements for the Bilingual/Bicultural Education certificate.
- Language Proficiency Test Requirements
- English: Passing oral and written English language proficiency tests (OPI & WPT). The English OPI must be passed with a score of at least Intermediate High. The English WPT must be passed with a score of at least Advanced Low when the target language WPT score is at Intermediate High. The English WPT must be passed with a score of at least Intermediate High when the target language WPT score is at Advanced Low.
- Target Language: Passing oral and written language proficiency tests (OPI & WPT) in the target language. The OPI must be passed with a score of at least Advanced Low. The Target Language WPT must be passed with a score of at least Advanced Low when the English WPT score is at Intermediate High. The Target Language WPT must be passed with a score of at least Intermediate High when the English WPT score is at Advanced Low. (Exceptions: Candidates for certification who establish themselves as a speaker of the target language who was primarily educated at the undergraduate or graduate level in that language, as determined by their submitted foreign evaluation transcript(s), will be exempt from taking the oral and written language proficiency tests (OPI & WPT) in their target language.)
The Learning Outcomes of the program include:
- Students will learn how to assess second language learners and teach them effectively in the aspects of language including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Students will create, evaluate, and use English language teaching materials.
- Students will explore how languages function historically, socially, and culturally.
- Students will learn how to develop the literacy skills of the second language learner.