Bilingual Special Educator Program (BiSPED) - Admission

There are two application processes you must complete.

1. Application to PSU - Complete university application

Graduate application form is available online at www.pdx.edu/admissions/how-apply-graduate or you can pick up a copy at the Office of Admissions, Neuberger Hall. On the application form, declare MA or MS in Special Education.

All applicants must submit to PSU:

• $50 application fee with your completed university application
• One official transcript, in sealed envelope, from every college or university attended (except PSU)
• Foreign transcripts in original language AND certified English translation (see BTP website – BiSped’s sister program – for certified translation agencies)
• Copy of diploma in original language
• TOEFL score if your degree is from a non-English-speaking university

TOEFL Requirements

• TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test unless you have earned the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree from an English-speaking university (this can be either in the US or your native country)
• You may take the institutional, paper-based or internet-based TOEFL
• The PSU TOEFL is offered several times per year, usually one to two weeks prior to the beginning of each term. Contact the Office of Admissions (503-725-3511) for exact test dates and registration information.
• Applicants can take either the paper-based or the internet-based TOEFL through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). See the TOEFL link on their website for locations, schedule, and registration: www.ets.org

2. Application to BiSped

Selection for admission to the BiSped Program is a competitive process. Ten qualified candidates will be selected each year based on recommendations and an application evaluation. Program coursework will begin in the summer. 

Eligibility

✔ Have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree

✔ Be employed either as an instructional assistant or teacher by a school district that has an Intergovernmental Agreement/contract with Portland State University

✔ Be eligible for admission to PSU at the graduate level

✔ Be bilingual/bicultural:

• Bilingual - Oral and written proficiency at the near native level as evidenced through interview and essay
• Bicultural – ability to relate in a socially acceptable manner with members of a cultural group other than your own

✔ Be endorsed by your school district liaison

✔ Meet Special Education department requirements (see information packet for Initial Licensure in Special education for details)

✔ Have evidence of a passing score for the CBEST exam or proof of one attempt

Application Process

✔ Apply to the special education program at either the elementary or secondary level using the online application: www.pdx.edu/sped/application-procedures-sped.

✔ In addition to the information requested in the admission application, BiSped students will be required to submit two essays (prompts will be provided).

• One in native language
• One in second language

Application Timeline

✔ Application to PSU due by February 1, 2011 to be eligible for Summer admission

✔ Application to BiSped due by January 3, 2011

✔ Interview will be held in February or March, 2011

✔ Applicants notified no later than March 30, 2011

✔ Coursework begins Summer (June) 2011

Prerequisite Courses

It is strongly suggested that you take as many of the following prerequisite courses prior to admission; otherwise, these courses must be completed during the BiSped program and prior to licensure.

✔ Psych 311

✔ Math 211, 212

✔ Sped 418/518

Documentation

✔ Begin your personal file of all documents submitted and to maintain all important program information

✔ Provide a copy of your entire application package to your district liaison