English Language Development for Academic Literacy

Advanced Certificate

You can earn the Online English Language Development for Academic Literacy Advanced Certificate in 2-4 semesters. In addition, courses completed with a grade of B or better may be applicable to the Master of Arts degree in Dual Language and English Learner Education. Consult the advisor for details.

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Program Overview

This advanced certificate program provides TK-12 teachers and other education professionals with specialized preparation for developing academic literacy assessment, curriculum, and teaching methods specifically designed to meet the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs). It provides further development in theory and methods for evaluation, development, and implementation of (a) appropriate language assessment, (b) effective instruction to ELLs specific to developing academic literacy in English, and (c) culturally responsive curriculum and teaching strategies.

The English Language Development for Academic Literacy Certificate program is designed for professionals working in programs or classrooms with diverse language learners. Successful applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have experience working with multilingual learners.  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

Analysis of relationships among ideology, culture, and power in educational context; key concepts in critical pedagogy applied to programs, curricula, and school restructuring. 

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. 

English language development and delivery of comprehensive instruction for English learners. Strategies for implementing state adopted standards for ELD in language and content areas. 

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 (9 unit transfer limit for Global Campus courses).

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