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Department of Dual Language & English Learner Education
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Dual Language for Academic Literacy

Professional Development Certificate

Undergraduate Program Graduate Program Concentration Focus Online Hybrid

You can earn the Online Dual Language for Academic Literacy Professional Development Certificate in 2-4 semesters. In addition, all courses completed with a grade of B or better are applicable to the Master of Arts degree in Education. 

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This professional development certificate program provides TK-12 teachers with specialized course work in Dual Language programming. It provides instruction in two languages and helps students to develop competencies in bilingualism, biliteracy and biculturalism/ multiculturalism.

The purpose of the dual language for academic literacy certificate is to develop leadership among bilingual teachers currently working in dual language or two-way immersion programs in TK-12 settings. The course work in this program will allow teachers to develop expertise in philosophical/ideological principles, pedagogy,  curriculum, and program processes for effective biliteracy program development.

Successful applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and hold a current teaching or administrative credential with a bilingual authorization (Spanish). Once in the program, candidates must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in certificate coursework with no grade under a C. Required courses (12 units) include:

Coursework

Critical literacy and democratic schooling for dual language program models. Program models that apply to policies and practices that inform literacy curriculum and pedagogy in dual language-biliteracy settings.
Curriculum development through lens of critical theory and action research. Principles of curriculum, instruction, and programs contextualized and with regard to particular educational institutions or work sites from a social justice perspective.
Theories and methods of assessment and evaluation of diverse student populations including authentic and traditional models. Procedures for identification, placement, and monitoring of linguistically diverse students. Theories, models, and methods for program evaluation, achievement, and decision making.
Dual language instructional methods, modeling oral and written grammatical structures. Language acquisition strategies for English and Spanish in K-12 grades. Emphasis on written structures for academic literacy.

All courses completed with a grade of B or better are applicable to the Master of Arts degree in Education with Concentration in Dual Language and English Learner Education and a Specialization in Critical Literacy and Social Justice (up to 9 unit transfer limit).

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