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Our English as a Second Language (ESL) Certificate Program enables students to become eligible for the Program Specialist ESL Certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Program Overview
- Individuals who complete the necessary five courses (15 credits) are eligible to apply for this certification. The ESL Program Specialist certification is "added on" to a Level I or Level II teaching certificate issued by PDE. Those who have completed teaching certification (Instructional I or II) will receive a letter that verifies completion of the state requirements for the ESL Program Specialist Certificate and may apply through the PA Department of Education for their ESL Specialist Certificate.
- This certificate program will help meet the growing need for appropriately prepared educators to provide the necessary instruction to the growing ESL population in Pennsylvania.
- BU's program is unique by being offered as a cooperative venture of two departments: Audiology and Speech Pathology, and Early Childhood and Elementary Education. It blends the disciplines of education with speech and language pathology and prepares professionals assigned to ESL classes, ESL programs, and bilingual education programs.
- The emphasis of instruction is on teaching language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and curricular areas (science, math, social studies). Although several other Pennsylvania colleges, universities, and intermediate units offer training, the partnership of these two departments has advantages.
- This program integrates expertise and resources from two departments relating speech and language learning with academic achievement. The focus on speech and language differences versus disorders, and the collaboration of the educator and the speech pathologist in the schools make this a unique program. Faculty from both departments developed the courses based on the Pennsylvania Department of Education ESL program specialist guidelines.
- Courses are offered during evenings and summers, so currently practicing professionals can obtain this certification.
Courses
CSD 420/520 ELL: Developing Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
CSD 425/525 ELL: Assessment and Support Services for ELLs
CSD 497/597 ELL: Field Experience and Professionalism
CSD 432/532 Communication/Educational Strategies for ELL Individuals
CSD 415/515 ELL: Basics of Language and Communication (3 credits): This course is intended for educators and speech-language pathologists who support ELLs in educational settings. Content focuses on knowledge of English usage and developing linguistic awareness. Students acquire knowledge of the components of the English language, including semantics, morphology, syntax, phonology, and pragmatics. The process of first and second language acquisition is presented. This course is designed to meet the ESL Program Specialist certification for English usage and developing linguistic awareness.
CSD 420/520 ELL: Developing Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity (3 credits): This course is intended for educators and speech-language pathologists who support English Language Learners (ELLs) in educational settings. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in working with culturally and linguistically diverse students and families. Course content will focus on the behaviors, beliefs, values, and attitudes of ELLs and their families. Strategies for promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity within educational and community settings will be discussed. This course is designed to meet the ESL Program Specialist certification for developing cultural awareness/sensitivity.
CSD 425/525 ELL: Assessment and Support Services for ELLs (3 credits): This course is intended for educators including speech-language pathologists who support English Language Learners (ELLs) in educational settings. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in designing and implementing assessment practices and support services for ELLs. Course content will focus on assessment practices, models, evaluation techniques, and assessment tools for language learning and academic achievement. Individualized Education Plans for ELLs and parent and family involvement will be discussed. This course is designed to meet the ESL Program Specialist certification for language and support services knowledge.
CSD 432/532 Communication/Educational Strategies for ELL Individuals (3 credits): This course is designed for educators including speech-language pathologists of English Language Learners (ELLs). Participants will be able to identify, design, and implement ESL program materials to facilitate English proficiency and academic standards. Instructional materials and strategies will be based on educational and language learning theory to develop appropriate methodology to use with children at diverse levels of English proficiency. This course is designed to meet the ESL Program Specialist Certificate for instructional materials/development.
CSD 492/592 ELL: Field Experience and Professionalism (3 credits): This course is designed for educators including speech-language pathologists of English Language Learners (ELLs). Participants will be able to identify, design, and implement ESL program materials to facilitate English proficiency and academic standards. Instructional materials and strategies will be based on educational and language learning theory to develop appropriate methodology to use with children at diverse levels of English proficiency. All ESL program Specialist candidates will be required to complete a 60-hour field experience under the guidance and supervision of Pennsylvania-certified ELL Specialists. Candidates will divide the amount of time spent completing their field experience in a public school district and ESL clinic at Commonwealth University.
Connect with the ESL Program Coordinator
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Program Coordinator: |