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College of Education - Department of Teacher Education

Bilingual/Bicultural Education Endorsement

Beth Wassell, Ph.D
Program Coordinator
856-256-4500, ext. 3812
wassell@rowan.edu

Program Description 
This program responds to the need for highly qualified teachers prepared to teach content in both the students' native
language and in English to the growing numbers of English language learners in the schools. The program, approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education, includes 12 credits hours of formal instruction in the following topics: linguistics, language acquisition, development of literacy skills for the second language learner, methods of teaching content in bilingual education, and theory and practice of bilingual education. Specific objectives emphasize the application of theory to practice, development of long-range and short-range plans that integrate language and content, design of appropriate authentic assessment instruments, and use of technology to research content and instructional techniques .Coursework for the Bilingual/Bicultural Certification program can be combined with the ESL Certificate of Graduate Study program, enabling candidates to receive an additional NJ instructional certificate in ESL K-12.

Admission Requirements

• CGCE Graduate Application Form (pdf)
• $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
• Typewritten statement of professional objectives
• Two letters of recommendation
• Currently teaching or alternate route candidate
• Passing scores on the OPI and WPT test administered by Language Testing International (LTI) available at www.languagetesting.com

1. Passing scores (of "Advanced Low" or higher) on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) for written English results
2. Passing scores (of "Advanced Low" or higher) on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) for target language (not English) results
3. Passing scores (of "Advanced Low" or higher) on the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) for written English results
4. Passing scores (of "Advanced Low" or higher) on the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) for target language (not English) results
Note: These four test results must be submitted with the application package.

• A copy of one of the following teaching certifications:

1. Standard Teaching Certificate
2. State Provisional Certificate
3. State Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing
4. Certificate of Eligibility in one of the following areas: Elementary (K-12), Mathematics (K-12), any area of Science (K-12), Social Studies (K-12)

• Copy of NJ State Teacher Certification (CEAS or Standard)

Application Deadline
Please visit CGCE Website for information about application deadline.

Program Requirements

Required Courses 

Course # Course Title S.H.
BLED 40.510 Issues of Language and Cultural Diversity in ESL/Bilingual Programs 3
BLED 40.512 Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition for Teaching Second Languages 3
BLED40.522 Integrating Language and Content in the ESL/Bilingual Education 3
BLED40.521 Teaching Bilingual Education: Process and Practice 3

If you would like more information about this program, please visit the College of Graduate and Continuing Education

Useful Links

For Financial Aid Information click here.

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Course Description

BLED 40.510: Issues of Language and Cultural Diversity in ESL/Bilingual Programs - 3 SH
This course focuses on foundational theories and areas of research related to the field of TESOL and bilingual education. Special emphasis is placed on the forces affecting students and policies related to second language schooling in state, national and international contexts. Students will develop a reflective philosophy for educating English Language Learners.

BLED40.512: Second Language Acquisition and Linguistics for Teaching Second Languages - 3 SH
This course addresses basic concepts of linguistic theory and second language acquisition research. Students will compare and contrast second language acquisition paradigms and investigate their applicability to the classroom. Discussion will also focus on components of the language system in the context of second language teaching.

BLED 40522: Integrating Language and Content in the ESL/Bilingual Education Classroom 3 s.h.
This course examines the theory and practice of integrating language and content in K-12 ESL, bilingual and content-area classrooms. Specific focus is given to methods pertaining to implementing sheltered instruction modules, content-based ESL, students' proficiency levels, proficiency testing, and strategies for collaborating with other teachers and school leaders.

BLED 40521: Teaching Bilingual Education: Process and Practice - 3 S.H.
The course examines current programs and available materials in bilingual education appropriate to a range of content areas and grade levels. Microteaching and peer coaching are practiced to provide a basis for reflective teaching. The course is open to candidates who possess or are eligible for a standard or provisional New Jersey instructional certificate. State-approved examinations in oral and written English and the target language are required for certification.

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