ESL/Bilingual Endorsement - Program Courses

Schedule

* Please contact the program manager at least ten weeks before the term to schedule a practicum.

How to access your online courses

Course Descriptions

The following order is a recommended sequence for the ESL courses. Due to scheduling conflicts it might not be possible to take them in this exact order. However, do take the Foundational courses early in the sequence, as the remaining courses build upon competencies gained in them.

ELP 466/566 Impact of Language and Culture in the Classroom (3 credits)
Learn the importance of intercultural communication in working with children from a range of cultures in today’s classrooms. Survey the cultural, linguistic, educational, and ethnic issues present in all classrooms today. Study the sociological and language issues, and immigration history. Learn how to identify and appreciate cultural factors that affect social adjustment and learning.
NOTE: This course is strongly recommended before enrollment in other program courses.

LING 422/522 How Do People Learn a Second Language? (3 credits)
Gain a historical perspective of language teaching and look at current language learning and teaching models. Examine variables involved in first- and second-language learning. Consider individual differences and patterns common to all learners and instruction. Collect and analyze natural language collected from second-language learners. Appreciate the complexity of learning and studying in another language so you can understand and effectively help your Limited English Proficient students learn successfully.

ELP 465/565 School/Community Relations: ELL (3 credits)
Learn how to work with families to overcome barriers by setting up support systems in and out of school.  Access appropriate community resources that can be critical for ensuring classroom success with English language learners (ELL). Gain understanding about other cultures’ orientation to education and school.  Learn strategies to build bridges between home, school, and the community.

CI 443/543 Effective Teaching Strategies (3 credits)
What kinds of strategies and materials work in teaching children who are learning English? Become acquainted with the current research on identification, development, and practice of developmentally and linguistically appropriate strategies and materials to effectively engage limited English proficient (LEP) students at all grade levels in the learning process. Special attention is given to students’ bilingual/bicultural characteristics as important aspects of developing a successful curriculum.

LING 423/523 Taking Stock: Assessment and Evaluation in Programs with Language Minority Students (2 credits)
Consider ways to expand the assessment domains so that they describe the full range of student work and include all populations. Learn about technical standards needed to ensure fair, accurate, and meaningful information. Discuss using assessment results to focus school and district services for language minority students. NOTE: Strongly recommend LING 422/522 (see above) prior to taking this course.

SPED 455/555 Working with LEP Children with Special Needs (2 credits)
Examine the current research in special education and see where it is appropriate in working with the limited English proficient (LEP) child. Consider issues including testing and diagnosis, appropriate teaching material and methods, and placement. Discuss political, social, and community concerns in working with LEP students with special needs.

ELP 467/567 ESL/Bilingual Program Design and Models (3 credits)
Exemplary schools provide second language learners with a rich intellectual diet, not a remedial or basic skills curriculum. They expect all students to achieve high standards in literacy and other academic areas. Learn how these schools combine their understanding and apply the knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and policies, along with pedagogical considerations, to create effective programs. Participants examine a variety of local, regional, and national program models for ESL and bilingual instruction. This creates opportunities to develop expertise in assessing the critical components of programs, serving preschoolers through adults.

CI 509 Practicum in ESL/Bilingual Education (3 credits)
Prerequisites: ALL of the courses listed above must be completed prior to undertaking the ESL Practicum.

The practicum is designed for new ESL/Bilingual educators and is an opportunity to practice what has been learned in the Succeeding with Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students series. During the 90 contact hours, you are given responsibility for at least six ELL students:

• Assess individual learning needs
• Develop a curriculum to meet those needs
• Deliver the curriculum
• Evaluate the results of the curriculum
• Write a summary essay describing your knowledge and skills as they relate to the 14 ESL competencies established by the Oregon Teacher Standards & Practices Commission (TSPC)

A participant works with a local ESL-endorsed “master teacher” who serves as a mentor/guide for consultation and problem solving. A University-appointed supervisor observes and evaluates the practicum work. The participant checks in with both of these people at each step of the process.

Practicum assignments are worked out individually and designed to meet the participant’s needs (ESL versus. ESL/Bilingual, Elementary, Middle or High School, etc.). Participants must contact the ESL program manager at least one term in advance of the term in which they wish to complete practicum in order to work out their placements. If you are currently teaching, practicum can be completed in your own classroom if you meet the minimum requirements of working with at least six ELL students for at least 90 contact

IV. Optional workshop

ESL/Bilingual Endorsement Portfolio Workshop (noncredit)
This optional workshop is required only for participants wishing to have prior coursework and/or experience evaluated to determine if part of the Succeeding with Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students series of courses can be waived for the ESL/Bilingual Endorsement.

To ensure that your background is evaluated in an objective manner, this workshop takes you through the process, and guides you as you prepare to meet the standardized presentation requirements for portfolio evaluation. In addition to attending the workshop, you may arrange up to three individual consultations with the instructor to have your portfolio materials reviewed for completeness prior to submission.