English as a Second Language (ESL)
Program Specialist - Certificate Program
The ESL Program Specialist Certificate Program at Bloomsburg University enables pre-service students enrolled in teacher preparation programs and currently certified teachers to become eligible for the Program Specialist - ESL Certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Individuals who complete the necessary 4 courses/12 credits are eligible to apply for this certification through their school district. The ESL Program Specialist certification is "added on" to a Level I or Level II teaching certificate issued by PDE. This program will help meet the growing need for appropriately prepared educators to provide the necessary instruction to the growing ESL population in Pennsylvania
The program at Bloomsburg University is unique in that it is 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 at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, during evenings and summers, so that both current pre-service students and currently practicing professionals can obtain this certification.
The need for ESL training.
According to the US Census Bureau (2002), an estimated 189,885 Pennsylvanians between the ages of 5 and 17 years spoke other languages (not English) at home. In 2000, it was reported that for many within this school age population, their ability to speak English was characterized as "not well" or "not at all". In 1991, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) reported that 32,000 students with limited English proficiency were enrolled in grades K-12 in Pennsylvania schools. These students spoke 135 different languages. PDE further reported that many of these students were unable to speak, read, or write English well enough to participate meaningfully in educational programs. Future projections suggest that increasing numbers of Pennsylvania families of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will need appropriate educational programs for their children.
It is the responsibility of every school district/charter school in the Commonwealth to educate students whose dominant language is not English. Title 22, Chapter 4, Section 4.26 of the Curriculum Regulations requires that the school district/charter school provide a program for every student who is limited English proficient (LEP) or an English language learner (ELL). The regulation states: Every school district shall provide a program for each student whose dominant language is not English for the purpose of facilitating the student's achievement of English proficiency and the academic standards under § 4.12 (relating to academic standards). Programs under this section shall include appropriate bilingual-bicultural or English as a second language (ESL) instruction.
Further, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that there be a highly qualified teacher in every classroom by the 2005-2006 school year.
This creates a particular concern regarding the need for qualified teachers of English language learners (ELLs); the ELL population is now the fastest-growing K-12 population in the U.S.
For more information about the program at Bloomsburg University, please contact:
Pamela A. Smith, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
psmith@bloomu.edu
570 389 5371
Courses
The ESL certificate program at Bloomsburg University consists of four 3-credit courses for a total of 12 credits, which can be taken at either the graduate or undergraduate level. The four courses contain the necessary ESL training components for certification as described below:
72.415/515 English as a Second Language: Basics of Language and Communication
This course is intended for pre-service/public school educators including speech-language pathologists who support English Language Learners (ELLs) in educational settings. Content focuses on knowledge of English usage and developing linguistic awareness. Students acquire knowledge of the components of 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.
72.420/ 520 English as a Second Language: Developing Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
This course is intended for pre-service/public school educators including 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 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.
72.425/525 English as a Second Language: Assessment and Support Services for English Language Learners
This course is intended for pre-service/public school 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.
79.494/594 English as a Second Language: Strategies and Methods
This course is designed for pre-service/public school 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.
Frequently asked questions
I am already employed as a teacher and work every day. Can I still obtain this certification?
Yes. Courses will be offered in the evenings and summers so that both current undergraduate students in teacher preparation and currently practicing professionals can obtain the certification.
Will these courses count toward my Act 48 requirement?
Yes. Courses are offered at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Practicing professionals can take the courses for graduate credit, which will count toward Act 48.
Must I be bilingual to obtain this certification?
No. The purpose of the ESL Program Specialist Certificate is to prepare educational personnel to provide instruction to students whose primary language is not English. As noted, ESL students speak many languages, so educators do not need to be bilingual.
I need ESL services myself. Will this program help me?
This program is designed for the preparation of teachers who will provide instruction to students for whom English is not the first language; it does not directly provide those ESL services. However, Bloomsburg University is looking to develop a summer language intensive ESL program which will address those needs for current and future students for whom English is a second language.
I am a classroom teacher, and I have students in my class who are ESL. Must I obtain this certification?
The regulations state that a professional who is providing ESL instruction must hold the certification. Professionals responsible for teaching curriculum will find the certification helpful in carrying out their educational responsibilities. Many educators are finding that obtaining specialized training in ESL instruction is of great assistance given the increases in the numbers of ESL students in their classrooms.
Do I have to take a Praxis test?
No, there is no Praxis test involved for the ESL Program Specialist certificate.
How long will it take?
Courses will be offered in the evenings and summers, so that it should be possible for the 4 course sequence to be completed in a calendar year.
I am newly certified with my Level I certificate. Will these courses count toward my Level II certificate?
Yes, if they are taken at the graduate level.
Are there are any prerequisites to these courses?
No, they are open to any interested pre-service student or practicing professional. Courses can be taken in any order, which will assist with student scheduling.
Where can I obtain more information?
See the Pennsylvania Department of Education web site for more specific information about state regulations.